President Donald Trump has unveiled a significant private sector initiative to invest up to $500 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure within the United States. The announcement introduces "Stargate," a joint venture between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, aimed at establishing extensive AI data centers nationwide.
During a White House briefing, President Trump emphasized the importance of domestic development in AI technologies, highlighting the competitive landscape with nations like China. He stated, "What we want to do is we want to keep it in this country... We want to be in this country, and we're making it available." To facilitate the project's swift progression, the President indicated plans to utilize emergency declarations to expedite necessary infrastructure, particularly in energy production.
The initial phase of Stargate includes the construction of 10 data centers in Texas, with plans for further expansion across other states. Oracle's Larry Ellison noted that these facilities are already under construction, underscoring the project's momentum. The collaboration is projected to create over 100,000 American jobs in the near term, bolstering the nation's technological workforce.
OpenAI's Sam Altman expressed optimism about AI's potential impact on healthcare, suggesting that advancements could lead to unprecedented rates of disease cures. The partnership aims to leverage AI capabilities to address complex health challenges, reflecting a commitment to societal benefits alongside technological progress.
This initiative marks a substantial commitment by the private sector to advance the United States' leadership in artificial intelligence, fostering innovation and economic growth through strategic investments in critical infrastructure.