Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump hosted a particular dinner on the White Home on Thursday night, bringing collectively a few of the largest names within the expertise business. The visitor checklist included 5 Indian-origin executives, however all eyes have been on the one particular person lacking from the desk, Elon Musk.
On the lengthy desk within the State Eating Room sat Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, TIBCO Software program founder Vivek Ranadivé and Palantir’s CTO Shyam Sankar. Together with them have been Apple’s Tim Prepare dinner, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft co-founder Invoice Gates, Oracle CEO Safra Catz, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and OpenAI chief Sam Altman.
Nevertheless, Elon Musk was not current. His absence led to chatter throughout political and tech circles. He had typically been seen alongside Trump through the marketing campaign path and later labored carefully along with his administration, even heading the Division of Authorities Effectivity through the president’s second time period. The partnership broke down when the Tesla CEO distanced himself from the Trump administration and later criticised him, fuelling hypothesis of a rift.
When requested why his identify was not on the visitor checklist, Musk mentioned he had been invited however couldn’t attend. “I used to be invited, however sadly I couldn’t be a part of. One among my representatives was there on my behalf,” he defined.
The US media, nonetheless, reported that his identify by no means appeared on the official checklist of invitees.
The dinner adopted a White Home job power assembly on synthetic intelligence schooling, chaired by First Girl Melania Trump. The duty power was shaped to broaden AI schooling alternatives for American college students.
President Trump welcomed the gathering with reward. “The neatest individuals are sitting round this desk. It is a actually sensible group, and I’m very pleased with them,” he mentioned.
Blended Reactions, Memorable Moments
Social media noticed a flood of reactions to the dinner. Some referred to as it a strategic partnership between authorities and tech, whereas others dismissed it as a political picture alternative.
Apple CEO Tim Prepare dinner stole a second of consideration when he thanked Trump 9 occasions in a dialog that lasted barely two minutes. “Thanks for creating an atmosphere that permits us to construct manufacturing right here in America. This displays your imaginative and prescient and management. Thanks for serving to American corporations all over the world. It is vitally necessary, and I’m completely satisfied to work along with your authorities,” he mentioned.
When requested about Apple’s investments, Prepare dinner confirmed $600 billion could be invested in the US.
Trump reserved heat reward for Sundar Pichai. “You’re doing a implausible job,” he advised the Google chief.
Pichai responded, “This AI period is transformational. We should ensure that America leads. Your administration has already invested considerably. The AI Motion Plan you’ve put ahead is a powerful begin, and we’re desperate to work collectively. Thanks in your management.”
When Trump pressed him on funding numbers, he revealed Google would make investments $250 billion in the US over the subsequent two years.
Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin additionally spoke, saying, “It is a international race. AI is bringing massive adjustments, and it’s good that your authorities helps our corporations.”
Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg pledged at the very least $600 billion in investments in the US by 2028, specializing in AI and digital actuality. “All of us are investing closely in information centres and infrastructure. This can drive the subsequent wave of expertise. Meta will spend a minimum of $600 billion by 2028,” he mentioned.
Zuckerberg additionally created a lighter second. With microphones nonetheless on, he was heard apologising to Trump. “Sorry, I used to be not ready. I used to be unsure what quantity you wished to listen to,” he mentioned, drawing laughter from the president.
Indian-Origin Leaders Spotlight US Position
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella pointed to the worldwide belief in American expertise. “What’s particular about this business is not only innovation, but additionally the attain you’ve created for us all over the world. You’re constructing a platform the place folks not solely use our expertise however belief it greater than others. Your insurance policies have helped us,” he mentioned.
When requested about investments, he confirmed Microsoft spends about $75-80 billion yearly in the US.
Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, TIBCO founder Vivek Ranadivé and Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar additionally represented the Indian diaspora on the desk, strengthening the presence of Indian-origin leaders within the US tech sector.
Sam Altman Takes The Stage
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Musk’s rival within the AI house, earned reward from Trump. “You’re a massive chief. What you’ve accomplished is unimaginable,” Trump mentioned.
Altman responded by thanking the president. “Thanks for being a frontrunner who helps enterprise and new concepts. It’s a optimistic change. We’re glad you’re making our nation and our corporations profitable. With the funding coming in and business energy returning to America, we are going to stay robust globally,” Altman mentioned.
He later confirmed that OpenAI would pour a whole bunch of billions of {dollars} into AI initiatives in the US.
The dinner that was initially scheduled for the Rose Backyard shifted indoors to the State Eating Room attributable to unhealthy climate. However the ambiance remained heavy with symbolism – America’s political chief on the centre of the desk, surrounded by the architects of the digital future.