US President Donald Trump convened a high-profile dinner at the White House on September 4, 2025, bringing together a star-studded group of technology executives to discuss artificial intelligence and showcase massive new investments in the United States. The gathering symbolized Trump’s eagerness to strengthen ties with Silicon Valley amid ongoing complexities and shifting alliances in the tech sector.
Trump, seated at the center of the event, praised the “high IQ people” around the table and touted the transformative power of AI for America’s future. Key attendees included tech giants like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple’s Tim Cook, Google’s Sundar Pichai, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and longtime tech figures such as Bill Gates and Sergey Brin.
The executives shared remarkable investment pledges, with Zuckerberg and Cook each promising $600 billion, Pichai pledging $250 billion, and Nadella revealing Microsoft’s annual US spending of up to $80 billion. Trump welcomed these commitments bluntly, responding, “Good. Very good.”
Among the guests, five Indian-origin technology leaders underscored the growing influence of Indian Americans in the sector. The notable absence was Elon Musk, who has distanced himself from Trump earlier in 2025 following public disagreements.
Earlier in the day, First Lady Melania Trump chaired the White House’s Artificial Intelligence Education task force, emphasizing responsible AI development and the launch of nationwide AI student competitions. Speaking at the event, she urged leaders to balance innovation with ethical guidance.
The dinner highlighted the central role AI plays in the Trump administration’s vision, even as divisions persist within the Republican Party on tech industry regulations. Senator Josh Hawley notably criticized major tech firms and called for stricter oversight at a conservative conference, illustrating ongoing tensions.
This event reflects a strategic moment in US tech policy, where deepening collaboration between the government and industry leaders aims to secure American leadership in AI and technology for years to come.