NBC, Guardian report Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick facing pressure over Nvidia-linked “spy” allegations; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raised blacklist questions

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick discussed, at the White House Situation Room, questions about whether a Singapore data center company linked to allegations in an Nvidia-related “spy” case was subject to a blacklist or other federal restrictions, according to a report by Zero Hedge. The report said the discussion took place on Nov. 5 and framed the issue as fallout from the alleged national security incident, with Bessent reportedly pressing Lutnick for an explanation of why the firm was not blacklisted.

Zero Hedge’s account centered on Megaspeed, a Singapore data center company it linked to the Nvidia “spy scandal,” and it described the interchange as Bessent demanding to know why the company was not blacklisted. The report did not provide evidence of an executive action, a formal decision, or a publicly posted blacklist designation, and Apex has not identified an official Commerce or Treasury action confirming any blacklist outcome tied to Megaspeed as of publication.

Separately, NBC News reported that Lutnick is facing increased congressional scrutiny and pressure connected to the Nvidia scandal and related national security concerns. NBC News said Lutnick will testify as bipartisan lawmakers push for answers on what the administration knew and when it acted, tying the attention to the broader question of government response to alleged security risks involving advanced technology and data infrastructure.

The Guardian also reported that Lutnick is under pressure over the alleged lack of action, describing the controversy as raising national security concerns involving potential China-related links and the need for stronger U.S. responses. Like the other reporting, The Guardian’s focus is on administrative steps and oversight questions, rather than citing a specific, publicly confirmed blacklist decision.

No White House, Commerce Department, or Federal Register document was cited in the available reporting to show that an executive order, presidential memorandum, or formal Commerce action was issued in response to Megaspeed specifically. Under this standard, Apex treats the blacklist dispute as an attributed characterization of what was discussed and questioned by senior officials, rather than a confirmed, government-issued designation or a finalized enforcement outcome.

If Congress follows through on testimony, the practical next steps will likely include clearer documentation of internal decision timelines and what tools the administration uses when it believes there is a national security threat in the supply chain or communications infrastructure. Testimony and subsequent records could also clarify what counts as a “blacklist” in this context, including whether agencies pursued sanctions, export controls, entity listing, investment screening, procurement restrictions, or other authorities, and how those decisions were coordinated across Commerce and Treasury.