In a ceremony that highlighted the nation’s leading innovators, President Donald Trump awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella. The event, held in Washington, underscored the administration’s commitment to celebrating immigrant entrepreneurs who have built thriving American businesses.
Trump’s praise for Microsoft’s impact
“For more than three decades, Satya Nadella has been a key figure in the transformation of Microsoft, revolutionizing the company and empowering businesses, students and consumers worldwide with some of the most capable software ever built,” President Trump said. He called the group of honored tech leaders “national treasures,” noting their role in driving American prosperity.
VP Vance raises concerns about visa program
Hours after the awards, Vice President JD Vance announced at a news conference that Microsoft would be suspended from a federal program that allows companies to apply for green cards for skilled foreign workers on H‑1B visas. Vance accused the company of abusing the system, stating, “You cannot lay off American workers and then replace them with foreign indentured servants.” He cited data showing Microsoft laid off 6,000 U.S. workers last year while obtaining 6,300 H‑1B visas and nearly 3,000 green cards.
Microsoft’s response
Microsoft responded that most of its H‑1B applications in the last fiscal year were to extend or change the status of existing employees, not to bring in new foreign workers. The company, based in Redmond, Washington, employs roughly 223,000 people worldwide.
Administration’s stance on immigration and talent
The Trump administration maintains that it can identify “superstar immigrants” who drive groundbreaking companies while protecting American jobs. Officials argue that hiring unexceptional foreign workers can hurt U.S. workers, and the suspension is intended to ensure companies prioritize American talent.
Broader context of the awards
Alongside Nadella, President Trump honored SpaceX founder Elon Musk, Google co‑founder Sergey Brin, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, AMD CEO Lisa Su, and Dell Technologies chief Michael Dell. Five of the six honorees were born abroad, reflecting the administration’s view that immigrant entrepreneurs are essential to the nation’s economic vitality.
Public reaction
Polls show mixed feelings among Americans about rapid AI development and immigration policy, but the administration points to record‑high stock market performance and job growth as evidence of a thriving economy. Critics, including some immigration‑rights groups, argue that the visa crackdown could limit the talent pipeline needed for tech innovation.
Looking ahead
With the midterm elections approaching, President Trump is using the ceremony to reinforce his message that American ingenuity, bolstered by responsible immigration policies, will keep the United States at the forefront of global technology.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
