President-elect Donald Trump announced a massive $100 billion investment commitment from Japanese tech conglomerate SoftBank during a press event Monday at Mar-a-Lago. Joined by SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, Trump hailed the agreement as a major boost for the U.S. economy, promising it would create at least 100,000 jobs in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce that SoftBank will be investing $100 billion in America, creating 100,000 American jobs at a minimum,” Trump said. He credited Son’s optimism about the U.S. economy following the election as a driving factor behind the announcement.
Son expressed excitement for the partnership, stating, “My confidence level in the U.S. economy has tremendously increased with [Trump’s] victory.”
Trump, ever ambitious, jokingly pressed Son to double the investment during the event. Son replied, “With your leadership and my partnership, I will try to make it happen.”
SoftBank’s commitment marks a continuation of their investments in the U.S., following a $50 billion pledge made after Trump’s 2016 election win. Based in Tokyo, SoftBank specializes in investments in technology, finance, and energy.
The announcement came as part of Trump’s broader remarks about his economic vision for his second term. He pledged additional tax cuts and promised to fast-track permits for companies investing over $1 billion in the U.S. to spur growth.
“This will be the most exciting and successful period of reform and renewal in all of American history, maybe of global history. The golden age of America, I call it—it’s begun,” Trump declared.
He also reflected on challenges during his first term, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing hope that no “intervening” issues would hinder the country’s progress in his second term.
