Trump hosts tech titans for White House dinner
Donald Trump asked tech executives about U.S. investments, while Elon Musk, once a close ally, was noticeably absent.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a grand dinner at the White House on Thursday (September 4, 2025), bringing together some of the most powerful names in the technology industry. The high-profile gathering was not just about food and formality—it was meant to highlight America’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence and the billions of dollars being invested by tech giants across the country.
The evening had all the elements of a political statement and a business showcase. Trump, seated at the center of a long, polished table, was surrounded by executives he described as “high IQ people.” With cameras flashing, he pointed to the research breakthroughs happening in AI and proudly declared, “This is taking our country to a new level.”
For the administration, the event symbolized more than a casual meet-and-greet. It was an opportunity to send a clear message: the United States is determined to stay ahead in the global race for technological dominance. AI has become the new battleground, not only shaping future economies but also redefining national security, healthcare, and education. Trump made sure to emphasize that the investments being made by these companies would translate into jobs, innovation, and prosperity for everyday Americans.
The dinner also carried a sense of spectacle. Each executive took turns speaking about their company’s contributions, from new AI research hubs in smaller U.S. cities to commitments toward workforce training programs. Trump, never shy about engaging personally, went around the table and asked them directly how much they were investing in the country. It was a mix of charm and pressure—part encouragement, part accountability.
Notably missing from the guest list, however, was Elon Musk. Once seen as a close ally of Trump, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s absence did not go unnoticed. In fact, it sparked whispers in political and business circles about whether the relationship between the two figures had cooled. Still, the table was filled with heavyweights—executives from companies shaping everything from cloud computing to semiconductors and robotics.
As the evening wound down, one thing was clear: the dinner was as much about optics as it was about substance. By gathering the country’s most influential tech leaders under one roof, Trump wanted to show the world that America is not just participating in the AI revolution—it is leading it.