Microsoft is to invest approximately $80 billion in data centres for AI by the end of fiscal year 2025, with more than half financing projects in the US.
As stated in a blog post written by Microsoft president and vice chair, Brad Smith, the tech giant aims to build AI-enabled data centres to train AI models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications globally.
Published just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, Smith used the post to outline his three-part vision for the country’s technological success in partnership with the new government.
These priorities included investments in American AI technology and infrastructure, upskilling programmes for AI, and exporting American AI to the country’s allies to strengthen the domestic economy while ensuring other nations also benefit.
“This country has a unique opportunity to pursue this vision and build on the foundational ideas set for AI policy during President Trump’s first term,” Smith wrote.
“Achieving this vision will require a partnership that unites leaders from government, the private sector, and the country’s educational and non-profit institutions.”
Smith also pushed the new government to expand on the efforts made during Trump’s first term in office in 2019 towards strengthening American AI.
Federal AI and data investments
He said that during Trump’s first term, the government “rightly focused on federal investments in AI research and making federal data and computing resource more accessible,” and that five years later, President Trump and Congress should continue to support “America’s AI leadership.”
“More funding for basic research at the National Science Foundation and through our universities is one good place to start,” he added.
Smith also urged for further AI upskilling, noting that Microsoft is on the path to train 2.5 million American students, workers, and community members with AI skills in 2025 alone.
Addressing the incoming government, he said: “If the Trump Administration can develop a strong national AI talent strategy and use AI to make the government itself more effective and efficient, it will put the country on a promising path.”
For the third strategy, Smith added that the US must prioritise promoting American AI exports to outpace China’s growing influence in global markets, particularly through private sector investments and international collaboration.
He claimed that a smart export control policy that balances security with growth will ensure American AI remains a trusted and competitive global standard.
Smith finalised the blog post by stating that the US is in a “strong position to win the essential race with China by advancing international adoption of American AI.”
“American products are more trusted than their Chinese counterparts, and our private sector is unmatched in its ability to invest in infrastructure around the world.”
