Trump announces $500B AI project with tech leaders; Musk questions funding, sparking tensions with OpenAI’s Altman over infrastructure venture.

President Trump announced a $500 billion artificial intelligence infrastructure project, dubbed Stargate, during a press event at the White House on Tuesday. He was accompanied by notable tech executives including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son.

Shortly after the announcement, Elon Musk questioned the feasibility of the project, implying that funding might not be secure. He expressed skepticism about SoftBank’s financial backing, stating they have significantly less than necessary. Musk’s comments reflect an ongoing tension between him and Altman, with whom he has a contentious history regarding OpenAI’s direction.

Despite Musk’s criticisms, Altman responded publicly, asserting that the project’s first site is already in progress. He acknowledged Musk’s achievements but urged him to prioritise the country’s interests over his own business strategies.

Microsoft is identified as a technology partner in the Stargate project, indicating its involvement in building the necessary infrastructure. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella defended the project’s viability against Musk’s assertions regarding funding.

Tech leaders court Trump at inauguration, seeking goodwill after rocky past; focus on tariffs as economic strategy moving forward.

A significant group of tech leaders came together at the inauguration ceremony, highlighting the industry’s influence.

Prominent figures included Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, who previously faced criticism from Trump but are now fostering better relations. Also present was Apple’s Tim Cook, who built a personal rapport with Trump during his first term.

Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai, a frequent target of Republican criticism, was seen alongside influential advisor Elon Musk. Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, attended despite his earlier protests against Trump’s policies.

Tech executives’ relationships with Trump were strained during his first term, but this time, they are demonstrating support.

Facing challenges from the current administration’s regulations, many have invested substantial sums in the inaugural events and adjusted their policies to align with Trump’s agenda.

Trump has reciprocated this support, reconciling with former adversaries, and even hinted at assisting TikTok, which he previously sought to ban. The future of this amicable relationship remains uncertain.

In a separate announcement, Trump underscored tariffs as a priority for generating U.S. revenue without taxing citizens. He proposed an “external revenue service” to regulate tariffs and duties, coinciding with plans to review trade policies with China and North American partners.

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, businesses face an urgent choice: adapt or risk irrelevance.

In an era of rapid technological advancements, AI innovation units have emerged as vital tools for businesses to maintain competitiveness and adapt to transformative trends.

Establishing an AI innovation unit requires careful planning across six key phases; Hardik Jagda, Founder and CEO of Proximity Works explored these key areas during his exclusive interview on Ticker.

First, assess your readiness by auditing data infrastructure and addressing gaps to lay a solid foundation.

Next, set clear, measurable goals tied to business outcomes, ensuring alignment across teams.

Partnering with external AI experts can fast-track progress while mitigating risks, especially when internal expertise is limited.

Prioritise high-impact projects that deliver tangible value, then follow a structured approach: build, test and scale successful initiatives.

Finally, embed adaptability by fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, enabling your organisation to stay agile and resilient in an ever-evolving technological landscape.