Trump Awards Top Science Prizes to Big Tech Donors
President Trump awarded the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to several leaders of major tech companies on Thursday. The recipients have collectively donated nearly $6 billion to initiatives tied to President Trump and his administration.
President Trump presented the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to several prominent executives from major technology firms on Thursday. Among the honorees were Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Sergey Brin, and Lisa Su, as well as Michael Dell and Satya Nadella.
Collectively, the awardees have donated close to $6 billion to efforts and campaigns associated with President Trump and his administration. For instance, Alphabet and Microsoft contributed to the president's inauguration fund and White House events. AMD supported a pro-Trump Super PAC, and Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to the administration's savings program for children.
President Trump stated that the recipients had helped "pioneer an incredible future for America" and that because of them, "we will always be on top. No one else can compete with us."
Many of the awardees have previously been significant financial supporters of President Trump's campaigns and political initiatives. The presidential recognition has prompted discussion regarding the criteria for awarding these honors and potential conflicts of interest.
Satya Nadella received his medal shortly after the administration indefinitely suspended Microsoft's participation in the H-1B program, which allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers.