Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump after receiving the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the technology industry. The Indian-origin executive said he was humbled to be honored alongside prominent figures who have helped advance American scientific research and technological progress.
Nadella was among six technology leaders recognized during the New Golden Age Summit in Washington on Thursday. The ceremony celebrated achievements across several fields, including computing, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and space exploration.
In a message posted on X, Nadella thanked Trump for the distinction and expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration to advance technology and support economic prosperity. His response followed the president’s remarks highlighting Microsoft’s transformation under his leadership.
Trump credited Nadella with reshaping Microsoft over more than three decades, expanding its influence across businesses, educational institutions, and consumer markets. He particularly emphasized the company’s development of cloud computing services and its growing role in emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
Nadella became Microsoft’s chief executive in 2014, after previously holding senior positions within the company. During his tenure, Microsoft expanded its cloud computing operations and strengthened its position in the rapidly evolving technology sector. The award citation highlighted his leadership during the company’s transition toward cloud-based services and the development of computing infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence.
Trump also praised Nadella’s strategic vision, including Microsoft’s early investments in technologies associated with advanced AI capabilities. The president presented the medal as recognition of the executive’s role in strengthening the company’s technological influence.
Other prominent recipients included Elon Musk, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, AMD CEO Lisa Su, and Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell. Musk, Brin, Huang, and Su received the National Medal of Science, while Nadella and Dell were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
During the event, Trump praised Musk’s work in space exploration, satellite communications, and electric vehicles. He also highlighted Huang’s contributions to computing technology, particularly Nvidia’s role in supplying hardware used to develop advanced artificial intelligence systems.
The summit also provided an opportunity for Trump to outline his administration’s priorities for scientific advancement. These included quantum computing, nuclear energy, space exploration, and superintelligence.
The president said the administration aimed to develop a quantum computer for scientific discovery by 2028, underscoring its ambitions to accelerate research and maintain US technological leadership.
Nadella’s recognition highlights the contributions of an Indian-origin executive to one of the world’s most influential technology companies. His award also reflects the growing importance of cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of global innovation.
