Trump's Nvidia H200 China Export Plan Faces Fierce Backlash via AI Overwatch Act

A 25% cut for the government isn't enough to satisfy hawks. While President Donald Trump pushes to greenlight Nvidia's powerful AI chips for China, Congress is moving to seize control of the export process through new legislation.

The AI Overwatch Act and Trump Nvidia H200 China export hurdles

The House Foreign Affairs Committee recently advanced the AI Overwatch Act, a bill specifically designed to curb the administration's power over tech exports. Introduced by Rep. Brian Mast, the bill would require congressional approval within 30 days for any license allowing advanced chips to be shipped to China. This comes as Trump plans to authorize sales of Nvidia's H200—chips far more capable than previously permitted processors like the H20.

Critics argue that selling these chips to Chinese giants like Alibaba and Tencent poses a severe national security risk. If signed into law, the act would revoke existing licenses and impose a temporary ban until a comprehensive security strategy is submitted.

Security vs. Market Dominance: A Divided Washington

The debate has split Washington into two camps. On one side, White House AI czar David Sacks and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang argue that restrictions have been counterproductive, allowing Chinese competitors to gain ground. They believe keeping U.S. chips at the heart of global AI infrastructure is the only way to maintain dominance.

On the other side, a bipartisan group including Senator Mark Warner and Senator Elizabeth Warren has condemned Trump's approach as "haphazard and transactional." They fear the H200 will modernize China's military and surveillance capabilities.