President Trump gives top science awards to tech leaders who donated billions
Leaders from major technology firms received national honors on Thursday following reports of large political donations.
9 Oct 2026
On Thursday, President Trump handed out the nation's highest science prizes at the Golden Age of American Innovation Summit ceremony. He recognized four executives for their contributions to technology and industry during the event. Leaders of major companies gathered in Washington for this official gathering of business and government officials.
The National Medal of Science was presented to Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Sergey Brin, and Lisa Su from AMD. These awards recognize significant work in research and development across their respective fields of expertise.
Michael Dell of Dell Technologies and Satya Nadella of Microsoft were given a different honor at the same event. They received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation instead of the science prize offered to the other recipients.
Reports indicate these leaders have contributed nearly $6 billion to efforts tied to Trump and his administration over recent years. This financial support was disclosed by The New Republic as part of their background research into the donors.
Specific giving included funding for the president's inauguration fund and White House ballroom construction or events. Alphabet and Microsoft were named among those who supported these political campaigns financially through official channels.
AMD directed contributions to a Super PAC supporting Trump, while Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to an administration program. The savings initiative for children is known as the Trump Accounts within the government framework of the policy.
President Trump stated that these innovators helped pioneer a future for America where the country stays on top globally. He told the crowd that no other nation could compete with the United States under their leadership and support.
Satya Nadella received his medal shortly after the administration indefinitely suspended Microsoft from a visa program for foreign workers. This specific timing raised questions about the connection between the award and the policy change facing the company.
The H-1B program allows U.S. companies to hire skilled staff from outside the country for specialized roles within their workforce. The suspension means the firm can no longer rely on that visa system for new international hires during this period.