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US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a star-studded dinner at the White House on September 4, bringing together some of the world’s most influential tech leaders. Seated at the table were Apple’s Tim Cook, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and Bill Gates, Google’s Sundar Pichai, OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg.
As executives outlined their visions for technological progress, Trump pressed them on their financial commitments. Meta’s Zuckerberg and Apple’s Cook each cited $600 billion in investments, while Google’s Pichai put forth a $250 billion figure. When Trump turned to the Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella replied with “up to $80 billion per year.” Trump, nodding, replied: “Good. Very good.”
The evening featured unscripted exchanges, humour-laced remarks, and even geopolitical discussion. Here are the top five moments from the evening:
- 01
Zuckerberg’s candid exchange
A lighthearted moment came when reporters asked Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about free speech in Britain. Caught off guard, he responded, “Sorry, I wasn’t ready,” before trailing off. His hot-mic moment drew laughter from Trump, who repeated the line to Melania.
“This is the beginning of your political career,” Trump teased. Zuckerberg quickly shot back: “No it’s not.”
As per reports by CNNa reporter had asked Zuckerberg if he was concerned at all about the state of free speech in Britain.
- 02
Trump jokes about health rumours
The President also made fun of recent speculation about his health.
“I went to an event and people are coming up to me and saying, ‘You’re still here?’ I said, ‘What do they mean by that?’ Well, I’m still here,” Trump said with a smile, prompting chuckles around the table.
The speculation about Trump’s health had swirled on social media over the weekend. Trump (79) is the oldest person to assume the US presidency.
- 03
Talk of Russia and Ukraine
The dinner turned to international politics as Trump mentioned his plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, again stressing his belief in personal diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine war.
He reiterated his belief that his personal rapport with Putin would make resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict easier, but conceded the task had proven more challenging than expected. “This one turned out to be more difficult, but we’ll get it,” he said. Trump had last met Putin in Alaska on August 15.
- 04
Bill Gates links Trump-era vaccines to AI breakthroughs
Bill Gates, reflecting on what he described as his “second career” in philanthropy, tied his global health mission to the kind of innovation that once defined Microsoft. Speaking to Trump, he argued that artificial intelligence could become “a doctor for everyone in Africa” by improving medical access, offering farmers smarter tools, and widening educational opportunities for children.
He likened AI’s potential in healthcare to the Trump-era Operation Warp Speed, which delivered Covid-19 vaccines at record pace. With the right funding and coordination, Gates said, the US could take “the seeds” of research into diseases like HIV and sickle cell and “put them together” to drive similar breakthroughs.
- 05
Google’s relief after legal battle
Sundar Pichai also drew attention after Trump congratulated Google on its favourable antitrust ruling. “Well you had a very good day yesterday,” Trump told him. Pichai, visibly relieved, replied: “I’m glad it’s over. It’s a long process.”
Alphabet added $230 billion in market value this week after a favourable ruling in its landmark antitrust case. The Justice Department had sought tough penalties after Google was found last year to have held an illegal monopoly in internet search. But US District Judge Amit Mehta rejected the most far-reaching remedies, including a possible breakup, sparking a surge in the company’s shares.
Trump used the occasion to spotlight advances in artificial intelligence and highlight the massive funds their companies are pouring into the US economy.
“This is taking our country to a new level,” Trump said, seated at the centre of a long table surrounded by what he described as “high IQ people.”
One conspicuous absence was Elon Musk, a former ally once tapped by Trump to lead a proposed Department of Government Efficiency. After a public split earlier this year, Musk was left off the guest list. In his place sat Sam Altman of OpenAI, a rising rival in the race to dominate artificial intelligence.
