- Private-sector investment to fund AI infrastructure
- 100,000 jobs to be created in the U.S.
What happened: Trump unveils $500 billion AI data centres project
On January 21, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a major private-sector investment to develop artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The initiative, with a total investment of up to $500 billion, aims to improve the U.S.’s position in the AI race and create 100,000 jobs. The project is led by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, forming a joint venture named Stargate. The first data centres are already under construction in Texas, with plans to build 20 centres in total. Each centre will cover 500,000 square feet.
The project is designed to help the U.S. outpace global competitors in AI technology. According to the companies involved, Stargate will deploy $100 billion in the short term, with further investments expected over the next four years. These data centres will support AI applications, including analysis of electronic health records to improve healthcare.
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Why it’s important
This investment will play a key role in shaping the future of AI in the U.S. It is part of a broader effort to develop the necessary infrastructure to support AI technology at scale. AI has become central to industries like healthcare, finance, and technology. By building these data centres, the U.S. aims to improve its technological edge and ensure the nation remains competitive globally.
The collaboration between major tech companies like OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle shows how private-sector investment is driving the growth of AI. The creation of 100,000 jobs will also provide economic benefits. However, it highlights the importance of infrastructure in supporting cutting-edge technologies. With AI becoming increasingly vital, this project could set a precedent for future tech infrastructure developments.