Trump Welcomes SoftBank CEO with Pledge of $100B Investment in US

Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group (SBG), met with United States President-elect Donald Trump on December 16. Friends from Mr Trump's first administration, the two met at Trump's private Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

During their discussion, Son unveiled a plan to invest $100 billion USD in the United States over the next four years. Son envisions the investment targeting the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI). He also aims to have SoftBank create at least 100,000 jobs in the country.

Son's Confidence in the US Economy

At a joint press conference, Son remarked, "My confidence level [in] the economy of the United States has tremendously increased with his victory."

Trump responded by stating, "This historic investment is a monumental demonstration of confidence in America's future, and it will help ensure that artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and other industries of tomorrow are built, created, and grown right here in the USA."

*SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son discusses AI investments in Riyadh on October 29. (©Sankei by Kazuya Nemoto)*

Son's Strategic Alignment

Details of the $100 billion investment plan remain unclear. SBG has previously invested in AI-related ventures, such as the American startup OpenAI. The group's subsidiary, SoftBank Vision Fund, has also made significant investments in startups, many of which are based in the US. These earlier investments could possibly be included in the investment plan.

In 2016, after Trump's first election victory, Son was among the first Japanese business leaders to meet with the new president. At that time, Son announced a $50 billion investment in the US. This earlier commitment aligned with Trump's focus on economic growth and job creation. Some observers viewed this as a strategic move to foster a favorable business environment for SBG.