In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Hawley urged scrutiny of the company for potential violations of U.S. export controls, the unauthorized transfer of sensitive technology to the People’s Republic of China, and related national security breaches.
Senator Hawley’s concerns stem from what he described as “recent investigative reports” suggesting that TuSimple systematically shared proprietary data, source code, and autonomous driving technologies with Chinese state-linked entities.
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“According to recent investigative reports, TuSimple systematically shared proprietary data, source code, and autonomous driving technologies with Chinese state-linked entities,” Hawley wrote. He further highlighted that these reports allegedly “revealed communications from TuSimple personnel inside China requesting the shipment of sensitive Nvidia AI chips and detailed records showing ‘deep and longstanding ties’ with Chinese military-affiliated manufacturers.”
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In his letter, Hawley emphasized the gravity of the potential infractions: “If the reports about TuSimple are accurate, they represent not just a violation of export law, but a breach of national trust and a direct threat to American technological leadership. The American people deserve to know how and why a supposedly U.S.-based company was allowed to serve as a conduit for the transfer of sensitive innovations to the Chinese Communist Party.”
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The letter posed several specific questions for the DOJ to consider during its potential investigation, including:
- Whether TuSimple provided protected information to affiliated Chinese entities like Hydron, Foton, or BAIC Group.
- What steps the DOJ has taken regarding Bot Auto, a new Texas-based self-driving truck company with former TuSimple employees and Chinese backing, to prevent similar behavior.
- Details regarding TuSimple’s national security agreement with CFIUS, including the activities covered and infractions leading to a reported $6 million settlement.
- An inquiry into the adequacy of “national security agreements” for controlling high-risk companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
* Original Article:
Missouri Sen. Hawley To DOJ: Investigate “National Trust Breach” By Chinese Trucking Co.