US Treasury chief says Commerce holds final say on chip export curbs, exposing internal rift

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent revealed he has pushed for months to impose export restrictions on a company linked to a woman suspected of espionage, involving chipmaker Nvidia, but stated the Commerce Department holds the final decision-making authority. The woman, allegedly in a relationship with former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and suspected of being a Chinese spy, served as an executive at Singapore-based data center firm Megaspeed. Reports indicate the State and Treasury Departments requested Megaspeed's addition to an export control list, but the Commerce Department declined. Bessent's comments on CNBC Friday shifted blame to Commerce Secretary Lutnick, with U.S. media reporting the criticism has exposed internal administration conflict over the delayed export restrictions.