Trump Gives Top U.S. Science Medals to Big Tech Donors
Trump gives top U.S. science and technology medals to six tech leaders tied to nearly $6 billion in donations, as Microsoft faces indefinite H-1B suspension.
Summary
President Trump honored six technology leaders at the Golden Age of American Innovation Summit on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Sergey Brin and AMD CEO Lisa Su received the National Medal of Science, the nation’s top science prize. Dell Technologies’ Michael Dell and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Trump said the honorees pioneered America’s future and would keep the country ahead of competitors.
The recipients collectively donated nearly $6 billion to efforts tied to Trump and his administration. Alphabet and Microsoft contributed to Trump’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom, while AMD gave to a pro-Trump Super PAC. Michael and Susan Dell separately pledged $6.25 billion to Trump Accounts, the administration’s savings program for children. Nadella received his medal immediately after the administration indefinitely suspended Microsoft from the H-1B program, which enables U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers.
Positives
- Four technology leaders received the National Medal of Science, the nation’s highest science prize.
- Michael Dell and Satya Nadella received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
- Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to Trump Accounts, the administration’s savings program for children.
- Trump credited the six honorees with advancing America’s technological future and competitiveness.
Risks & concerns
- The six honorees collectively donated nearly $6 billion to efforts tied to Trump and his administration.
- Alphabet and Microsoft funded Trump’s inauguration and White House ballroom, linking corporate contributions with national recognition.
- AMD contributed to a pro-Trump Super PAC before CEO Lisa Su received the National Medal of Science.
- Satya Nadella received his medal just after Microsoft was indefinitely suspended from the H-1B skilled-worker program.