U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on American technology companies, accusing them of embracing “radical globalism” by outsourcing jobs and production overseas, particularly to China and India. Speaking at a high-profile Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit in the capital, Trump said the era of turning a blind eye to such practices was over under his leadership.
“For too long, much of America’s tech industry pursued a radical globalism that left millions of Americans feeling distrustful and betrayed,” Trump said. “Many of our largest tech companies have reaped the blessings of American freedom while building their factories in China, hiring workers in India, and slashing profits in Ireland.”
He accused these companies of sidelining American citizens, even censoring them domestically, while expanding operations globally. “Under President Trump, those days are over,” he warned.
Executive Action on AI
The remarks came just moments before Trump signed three executive orders aimed at solidifying America’s dominance in artificial intelligence. The key highlights included:
- A White House National AI Action Plan, laying down a roadmap for AI research and development within the U.S.
- A directive to promote the export of full-stack American AI technology as a unified national strategy.
A renewed push to strengthen domestic AI ecosystems, potentially limiting reliance on foreign manufacturing and supply chains.
“The AI revolution must be led by American values and powered by American jobs,” Trump emphasized, adding, “We want you to put America first. You have to do that. That’s all we ask.”
Previous Warnings on Offshoring
This isn’t the first time Trump has taken aim at U.S. tech majors over offshore operations. In May, he publicly threatened Apple with a 25% tariff if iPhones sold in the U.S. were manufactured in India or other countries.
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump had said on social media. “If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”
A Message to Silicon Valley
Calling for a “new spirit of patriotism and national loyalty in Silicon Valley and long beyond Silicon Valley,” Trump said American tech companies needed to reevaluate their values and choices.
Industry insiders are divided on the potential impact of these orders. While some agree with the emphasis on national security and AI sovereignty, others warn of rising costs and slowed innovation due to reshoring mandates.
Nonetheless, Trump’s message was clear: American companies must serve American interests—or prepare for policy consequences.
