US President Donald Trump will on Thursday present billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk with the National Medal of Science, the United States’ highest honour for scientists and engineers.
Musk is among several prominent technology figures expected to receive national recognition during a White House summit titled “Science: A New Golden Age.”
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The ceremony is set to bring together some of the biggest names in the American technology and scientific sectors, with Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su also scheduled to receive the National Medal of Science.
Dell Technologies chief executive Michael Dell and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella will receive the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
The awards will be presented at the White House.
The National Medal of Science is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to scientific knowledge and innovation in the United States.
Musk’s recognition comes in connection with his work across technology and engineering, including his leadership of companies involved in electric vehicles, space exploration, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
The Tesla and SpaceX founder has become one of the most influential figures in the global technology industry.
His space company, SpaceX, has played a major role in the development of reusable rocket technology, while Tesla has been a major force in the growth of electric vehicles.
Musk has also been involved in artificial intelligence through xAI and other technology ventures.
The decision to honour Musk comes despite the highly publicised falling-out between the billionaire and Trump.
Musk was previously closely associated with the Trump administration after playing a prominent role in its effort to reduce federal government spending and the size of the US workforce.
His involvement in the administration made him one of Trump’s most visible allies in Washington.
However, their relationship later deteriorated, resulting in a public dispute between the two men.
Musk eventually stepped away from his role in the administration, while both men exchanged criticism publicly.
The latest award therefore comes against the backdrop of a relationship that has undergone a significant change since Musk’s period of close association with the White House.
Musk will not be the only prominent technology figure recognised at the White House ceremony.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and AMD CEO Lisa Su are also scheduled to receive the National Medal of Science.
Meanwhile, Michael Dell and Satya Nadella will receive the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
According to the White House, the recipients have contributed to America’s continued leadership in science, technology and innovation.
“These recipients are helping ensure America keeps leading the world in innovation,” White House spokeswoman Liz Huston said in a statement.
The ceremony will reportedly mark the first time Trump has presented either of the two medals during either of his presidential terms.
The awards have also attracted attention because of the political connections of several recipients.
CNBC reported that Musk contributed more than $290 million to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
The report also noted that each of the honourees had supported Trump or Republican causes in some form.
The Hill reported that Brin donated to the Republican National Committee in 2025 and attended Trump’s second inauguration.
Michael Dell and his wife, Susan, pledged $6.25 billion to Trump’s “Trump Accounts” programme.
Nvidia, meanwhile, announced that it would match the US Treasury’s $1,000 contributions for its employees under the programme.
The White House ceremony comes as the Trump administration continues to emphasise science, technology and innovation as important components of US economic and national development.
For Musk, the award represents recognition from the same administration with which he previously worked closely before their relationship deteriorated.
Despite their public disagreement, Trump is now set to personally present Musk with one of America’s highest scientific honours.
The ceremony will therefore bring together two figures whose political and business relationship has attracted considerable attention over the past year.
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Alongside Musk, the event will recognise several leading figures from America’s technology sector, highlighting the administration’s stated focus on maintaining US leadership in innovation.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
