Trump cabinet clashes over China chip export controls

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confronted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over delays in blocking Nvidia chip exports to China, according to Axios, though the administration disputes the account. The Nov. 5 Situation Room meeting included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who backed Bessent. Lutnick allegedly stalled controls on Megaspeed, a firm linked to chip smuggling, prompting a later Oval Office call with President Trump and Elon Musk. Trump approved the restrictions, but controls have not taken effect. Axios reports Lutnick has intervened in such actions at least three times this year, fearing a trade fight with Beijing. Commerce spokesperson Kristen Eichamer denied the confrontation occurred.