Trump and SoftBank CEO Announce $100bn US Investment Focused on AI

President-elect Donald Trump and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son have announced a $100 billion investment in the United States over the next four years, pledging to create 100,000 jobs in AI and related infrastructure. The announcement took place on Monday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

“This historic investment shows monumental confidence in America’s future,” Trump said while playfully urging Son to increase the commitment to $200bn. Son, the Japanese billionaire and head of the SoftBank Group, responded with a smile, saying he would try. “With your leadership and my partnership and your support, I will try to make it happen,” Son replied. 

Trump called the pledge a “sign of faith” in the US and a commitment to keeping America on top of the AI game. Recently, former PayPal COO David Sacks was appointed the US AI and crypto czar, further strengthening Elon Musk’s influence, who is set to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Trump’s administration.

According to analysts, SoftBank currently has $29 billion in cash, raising questions about where the $100 billion would come from. Possible funding sources include SoftBank’s Vision Fund, investments in OpenAI, and its stake in chipmaker Arm Holdings.

A Big Bet on AI

The investment will focus on artificial intelligence and infrastructure such as data centres, energy production, and chips. Son has been a strong advocate for AI and sees it as a key driver of future growth.

This announcement mirrors his earlier 2016 pledge of $50 billion and 50,000 jobs during Trump’s first term. While the funds were invested, it is unclear how many jobs were actually created.

In an interview with CNBC, Son said, “SoftBank was founded for what purpose? For what purpose was Masa Son born? It may sound strange, but I think I was born to realise Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). I am super serious about it.” 

SoftBank’s investments in AI-related sectors, including chip startups like Graphcore and its ties to OpenAI, indicate where some of the funds may be directed. Son’s vision for artificial intelligence aligns with growing global interest in the technology as companies compete to lead the next wave of AI advancements.