US President Donald Trump criticized American technology companies for building factories in China and outsourcing jobs to India.
He accused them of following “radical globalism” at the expense of American workers.
Trump was speaking at an Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit in Washington on Wednesday. He also signed three executive orders to boost US capabilities in AI.
“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. All the while dismissing and even censoring their fellow citizens right here at home. Under President Trump, those days are over.”
While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is renowned for his “hugs” and “bonhomie” with world leaders, including Donald Trump, the Indian foreign policy seems to have been shattered.
Lashing out at Indian hiring, Trump said US companies must focus on American jobs.
“We want you to put America first. You have to do that. That’s all we ask,” he added.
He also called for “a new spirit of patriotism and national loyalty in Silicon Valley and long beyond Silicon Valley.”
The new executive orders include:
- A White House plan for AI development
- Support for exporting US-made AI technologies
- Steps to strengthen the local AI industry
Trump has spoken before about tech companies moving operations abroad. In May, he warned Apple about making iPhones outside the US.
“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. If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump said in a social media post.
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