Trump awards National Medals of Science and Technology to Big Tech donors

Presidential Awards for Tech Leaders

President Trump presented the National Medal of Science to Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Sergey Brin, and Lisa Su at the Golden Age of American Innovation Summit. Michael Dell and Satya Nadella received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. These medals are considered the nation’s highest science and technology prizes.

Donations Precede Awards

The New Republic reported that the award recipients and their associated companies have collectively donated nearly $6 billion to efforts connected to Trump and his administration. Examples include donations from Alphabet and Microsoft to the president’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom, and AMD's contribution to a pro-Trump Super PAC. Michael and Susan Dell also pledged $6.25 billion to the Trump Accounts, a savings program for children.

Administration's Stance and Timing

Trump stated that the honorees helped "pioneer an incredible future for America" and that their contributions ensure the U.S. remains competitive. Notably, Satya Nadella received his medal shortly after Microsoft was indefinitely suspended from the H-1B program, which allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers.