Trump Hosts Tech CEOs, Issues Ultimatum on Chip Tariffs

President Trump hosted over twenty tech leaders, including CEOs from Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Meta, at the White House on September 4. During the event, Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on semiconductor companies that do not establish manufacturing facilities in the United States, though specific rates and timing remain undisclosed. Companies with existing US investment plans, like Apple (which committed to $600 billion over four years), will receive exemptions.

The meeting also addressed challenges in AI development, particularly regarding power supply for data centers. Trump pledged to accelerate grid connections for AI infrastructure, while tech executives expressed support for his policies promoting chip manufacturing and AI investment.

Separately, First Lady Melania Trump convened an AI education roundtable, where major tech companies announced new initiatives to promote AI learning in schools. The event highlighted both the administration's push for domestic semiconductor production and its support for AI leadership through infrastructure and education policy.