Zuckerberg Apologizes on Hot Mic After Discussing $600 Billion AI Investment with Trump
Key Points
- Zuckerberg met Trump at a White House dinner with dozens of tech CEOs.
- Trump asked about Meta’s AI spending; Zuckerberg cited at least $600 billion through 2025.
- A hot mic captured Zuckerberg apologizing for not knowing the exact figure Trump wanted.
- Zuckerberg later clarified on Threads that the company could invest even more.
- The interaction marks a shift from earlier threats of imprisonment to collaborative dialogue.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg met President Donald Trump at a White House dinner, where he cited a potential AI spending figure of about $600 billion through 2028. The conversation was captured on a hot mic, revealing Zuckerberg’s apology for not being sure which number Trump wanted. The exchange highlights a dramatic shift from earlier tensions, including threats of imprisonment, to a collaborative tone as the two discuss large‑scale investment in U.S. AI infrastructure.
Background Tensions
Earlier in the relationship between Meta and the Trump administration, the former president had threatened Zuckerberg with imprisonment. Over the ensuing year, the dynamic changed dramatically, with Zuckerberg donating to Trump’s inauguration, adjusting company policies, and engaging in private meetings.
White House Dinner and AI Spending Talk
At a recent White House dinner attended by dozens of tech CEOs, Trump asked Zuckerberg how much Meta planned to spend on AI in the United States over the next few years. Zuckerberg responded, "probably going to be something like, I don’t know, at least $600 billion through 2028 in the US." Trump appeared pleased, saying, "That’s a lot, thank you Mark, it’s great to have you."
Hot Mic Moment
Later, a hot mic captured a candid exchange in which Zuckerberg turned to Trump, apologized, and said, "sorry, I wasn’t ready … I wasn’t sure what number you wanted to go with." The brief audio clip quickly spread on social media, underscoring the informal nature of the discussion.
Aftermath and Statements
Zuckerberg later addressed the incident on Meta’s Threads platform, noting that the company could invest even more and that he had briefed the president on Meta’s potential spending through the end of the decade. He clarified that he shared the lower figure for 2028 because he was uncertain which number Trump was seeking.
Implications
The episode illustrates a significant thaw in the relationship between Meta and the Trump administration, moving from legal threats to public endorsement of a massive AI investment plan. It also signals Meta’s willingness to commit substantial resources to U.S. AI infrastructure, aligning with broader governmental priorities for technology development.