US President Donald Trump will on Thursday honour billionaire Elon Musk with the National Medal of Science, the highest honour the United States awards to scientists and engineers.
Musk will receive the award at the White House alongside Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang and Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su, as part of Trump’s “Science: A New Golden Age” summit.
Dell Technologies chief executive Michael Dell and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella will receive the National Medal of Technology and Innovation at the event.
According to reports by The Hill and Fox News Digital, Thursday’s ceremony will mark the first time Trump has presented either of the two prestigious medals during his two terms as US president.
Musk and Trump’s Earlier Falling Out
Musk’s recognition comes despite his highly publicised falling-out with Trump after the billionaire left his role helping lead the administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce.
Musk, who founded and leads companies including Tesla and SpaceX, was a major financial supporter of Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign. CNBC reported that he contributed more than $290m to Trump’s campaign.
The relationship between the two men later deteriorated publicly, with both exchanging criticisms after Musk’s departure from the administration before his recent return to the administration.
“These recipients are helping ensure America keeps leading the world in innovation,” White House spokeswoman Liz Huston said.
Tech Leaders’ Donations to Trump
Brin, who co-founded Google, has also had recent ties to the Republican Party. The Hill reported that he donated to the Republican National Committee in 2025 and attended Trump’s second inauguration.
Other recipients have also backed initiatives associated with the Trump administration. Dell and his wife, Susan, pledged $6.25bn to the administration’s Trump Accounts programme, while Nvidia said it would match the US Treasury’s $1,000 contributions for its employees.
The awards come as the Trump administration seeks to position the United States as a global leader in science, technology and innovation, while maintaining close relationships with some of the country’s most influential technology executives and entrepreneurs.
