Meta details $600 billion US investment pledge that led to a hot-mic moment between Zuckerberg and Trump

In a significant commitment to the future of artificial intelligence, Meta has announced a groundbreaking investment exceeding $600 billion in the United States by 2028. This announcement, made in a blog post by the company, aims to enhance AI technology, infrastructure, and workforce development across the nation. The pledge follows a prior discussion between Mark Zuckerberg and former President Donald Trump during a White House dinner, where Zuckerberg initially hinted at the investment. He noted, 'something like, I don't know, at least $600 billion through 2028 in the US.' In a candid moment captured by a hot microphone, Zuckerberg expressed uncertainty about the specific figure, asking Trump, 'I wasn't sure what number you wanted to go with.' At a Goldman Sachs conference in San Francisco later that month, Meta's CFO, Susan Li, provided further clarity on Zuckerberg's commitment. She explained that the $600 billion encompasses Meta's comprehensive investment strategy in the US from 2023 to 2028, which includes plans for data center infrastructure as well as investments supporting the company's domestic operations, including the workforce. With the announcement, Meta is now solidifying the $600 billion figure and outlining its intended allocations. The funds will focus on creating AI data center designs that prioritize sustainability, with a goal of becoming 'water positive' by 2030—meaning the company aims to return more water to the environment than it consumes. Meta emphasized the dual impact of this investment, stating, 'By building in the US, we're not only advancing AI technology and infrastructure, but also creating jobs, supporting local economies, and reinforcing America's technological leadership.' Since 2010, Meta claims its data center initiatives have generated 30,000 skilled trade jobs and 5,000 operational jobs, contributing over $20 billion in business to subcontractors throughout the US. The company has ramped up its capital expenditure, much of which is allocated to AI data centers and infrastructure, with expectations of reaching unprecedented levels in the coming year. Zuckerberg has acknowledged the risks associated with overbuilding AI infrastructure but believes it is necessary to stay competitive in the race towards superintelligence. He remarked that in a 'very worst-case scenario,' Meta would simply have 'pre-built for a couple of years,' absorbing some costs while waiting for demand to catch up.