Nvidia's Jensen Huang says CEOs who blame AI for layoffs are giving a 'lazy' excuse

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang dismissed claims that artificial intelligence is responsible for recent layoffs, calling the narrative 'lazy' in an interview with Singapore broadcaster Channel NewsAsia. He questioned how AI could already be causing job losses when the technology has only recently become widely useful in workplaces. Huang argued that linking layoffs to AI before its widespread adoption is illogical, stating that AI became productive only in the past six months. Huang accused some executives of using AI as a justification for layoffs to 'sound smart,' calling the practice irresponsible. He warned that fear-mongering about AI’s impact could deter progress, urging a more balanced approach that highlights both the technology’s potential and the need for safety measures. He emphasized the importance of government and industry policies to guide AI development responsibly. The CEO also shared details of his unexpected trip to Beijing, where he joined President Donald Trump on a diplomatic visit. Huang revealed Trump called him the morning of the trip, assuming he was in Washington, D.C., and insisted he board Air Force One. Huang, who was on the West Coast, quickly packed and flew to Alaska to meet the president’s plane before traveling to China alongside other U.S. executives. The discussion comes amid growing concerns about AI-driven job displacement, with companies across industries integrating AI tools while workers fear automation. Huang’s comments reflect broader debates over whether AI adoption is genuinely replacing workers or simply serving as a rationale for cost-cutting measures.