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Tech CEOs Praise Trump During White House Dinner

RNN Staff

In a striking moment of bipartisan business unity, several of the most powerful tech executives in America gathered at the White House Thursday evening to commend President Donald Trump for his aggressive pro-business, pro-innovation agenda — a marked shift for many who had previously been critical of his presidency.

Among the prominent figures in attendance were Apple CEO Tim Cook, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Google’s Sundar Pichai, IBM Chairman Arvind Krishna, and Oracle CEO Safra Catz. Tesla’s Elon Musk was invited but did not attend, instead sending a representative.

Trump Applauded for “Pro-Business, Pro-Innovation” Agenda

The evening was filled with glowing remarks from executives who once kept the Trump administration at arm’s length.

“Thank you for setting the tone such that we could make a major investment in the United States,” Apple’s Tim Cook told President Trump. “Your focus on innovation and leadership is making a difference. I think it says a lot about your priorities.” Cook praised the administration’s help in bolstering Apple’s international competitiveness.

Under Trump’s leadership, Apple has announced $600 billion in U.S. investments, including a new AI server factory in Texas and a manufacturing reshoring initiative.

Sam Altman of OpenAI echoed those sentiments, saying: “Thank you for being such a pro-business, pro-innovation president. It’s a very refreshing change.” Altman emphasized that Trump’s policies are “setting up the country for a long period of great success.”

Altman, whose company is helping shape the global artificial intelligence landscape, added that the U.S. AI industry is “transforming the world in a profound way,” crediting Trump for “creating the conditions to make that possible.”

Trump Hails “High IQ” Group

President Trump offered his own praise in return, calling the gathering “a meeting of some of the most brilliant people in the world.”

“The most brilliant people are gathered at this table,” Trump said. “These are leaders who understand the importance of building here, innovating here, and protecting American jobs.”

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, once at odds with Trump, announced during the event that Meta plans to invest “at least $600 billion” in domestic infrastructure for data centers and AI.

Oracle’s Safra Catz also spoke at length, saying, “AI is going to change everything. The fact that you are our President and you recognized this right away … is making it possible for America to win.”

Critics React to Zuckerberg and Gates Attendance

The presence of Zuckerberg and Microsoft founder Bill Gates — who sat next to First Lady Melania Trump — prompted criticism from some in Trump’s base.

“Zuckerberg and Gates belong in prison, not at the dinner table with President Trump,” activist Laura Loomer posted on X, arguing the two tech billionaires had “funded leftist causes and helped rig the 2020 election.”

Despite the friction, the night underscored Trump’s ability to rally even his former critics in Big Tech around a shared vision of American industrial resurgence and AI leadership.

Broader AI Investment Announcements

Before the dinner, several executives attended an AI roundtable hosted by the First Lady, focusing on AI’s role in education. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, OpenAI, Nvidia, and IBM announced new investments in AI workforce training and STEM education nationwide.

The Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized the need to lead in AI while ensuring it serves American workers and values.

As President Trump moves forward with bold economic plans and reshaped international trade dynamics, Thursday’s dinner sent a clear message: Silicon Valley may not love his politics — but they respect the results.

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