The chipmaker poached Intel's former top lobbyist to lead its Washington strategy as AI regulation heats up
Nvidia just hired the guy who helped funnel billions in federal semiconductor subsidies, and it’s putting him to work on the other side of the table. Bruce Andrews, who previously served as Intel’s Chief Government Affairs Officer, is joining Nvidia to lead its Washington, D.C. government affairs operation.
Who is Bruce Andrews #
He served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce from 2014 to 2017 under President Obama, making him the second-highest ranking official at the department during a period when federal trade policy was being reshaped. Before that, he worked on the Senate Commerce Committee, giving him direct experience with the legislative machinery that produces tech regulation.
His private sector stops include Ford Motor Company and SoftBank Group. At Intel, Andrews oversaw the company’s government affairs strategy during the rollout of the CHIPS and Science Act, and played a central role in implementing $7.8 billion in CHIPS Act grants directed toward Intel’s domestic chip manufacturing expansion.
Why Nvidia needs a bigger footprint in Washington #
Nvidia’s AI accelerators have become the most sought-after pieces of silicon on Earth. The US government has imposed increasingly strict export controls on advanced AI chips, particularly sales to China. Every new round of restrictions directly affects Nvidia’s revenue potential in one of the world’s largest markets.
Job postings indicate the company is actively building out its government affairs team in Washington, with applications open through mid-2026. Andrews isn’t a one-off hire. He’s the tip of a larger organizational buildout.
What this means for investors #
Nvidia’s biggest regulatory risk right now is the export control regime. Having someone like Andrews, who has deep relationships across both parties and extensive experience navigating federal bureaucracy, could help Nvidia secure more favorable treatment in future policy rounds.
The CHIPS Act still has money flowing, and future legislation could allocate additional funds for AI infrastructure, advanced packaging, or other areas where Nvidia operates. Andrews managed this process from Intel’s side, overseeing $7.8 billion in grants. No publicly available details have surfaced regarding Andrews’s start date or salary at Nvidia.
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