Trump attends major energy and AI summit at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA – In a significant development for Pennsylvania’s energy and technology sectors, President Trump and top executives from prominent technology and energy firms unveiled over $90 billion in investments at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, held on July 15, 2025, at Carnegie Mellon University. This summit marks a pivotal moment as companies seek to leverage Pennsylvania’s resources to foster a new artificial intelligence economy.
A Landmark Investment Announcement
During a roundtable that lasted approximately 30 minutes, President Trump emphasized the historic nature of the investment package, stating, “We’re back in Pittsburgh to announce the largest package of investments in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” The collective investment is expected to focus on key projects, including:
- Establishing data centers necessary to support the increased energy demands of artificial intelligence.
- Creating an energy innovation center aimed at equipping the workforce in and around Pittsburgh with training for energy and AI-focused jobs.
Sector Leaders Weigh In
The event, hosted by Republican U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, highlighted Pennsylvania’s unique ability to integrate its technological expertise with abundant energy resources, particularly in natural gas and nuclear energy. “Our vision for this event came from the realization of the crucial link between artificial intelligence and energy,” McCormick stated.
President Trump specifically noted Westinghouse’s plan to construct 10 nuclear reactors nationwide and celebrated the establishment of a $14 billion partnership between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, which he claims will revitalize the Mon Valley region. “We’re building a future where American workers will forge the steel, produce the energy, build the factories, and really run a country like this country has never been run before,” he asserted.
A Convergence of Political and Industry Leaders
Trump’s summit attracted several Cabinet members, including:
| Official | Position |
|---|---|
| Howard Lutnick | Commerce Secretary |
| Doug Burgum | Interior Secretary |
| Chris Wright | Energy Secretary |
| Lee Zeldin | EPA Administrator |
| David Sacks | AI and Crypto Czar |
Also present was Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, who participated in a panel discussion moderated by Penn State University President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi. Esteemed industry figures such as Ruth Porat from Alphabet, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, and executives from major firms like Amazon and Blackstone also contributed to the discussions.
Protests and Opposition
However, Trump’s visit did not go without challenges. Protests erupted on the Carnegie Mellon campus, with signs reading “Protest the Summit,” reflecting community concerns regarding fossil fuels, AI surveillance, and ethical implications of corporate interests. Activists urged for a greater emphasis on renewable energy, arguing that reliance on traditional fuels does not align with future sustainability goals.
Zach Zourelias, a protester from Plum, expressed, “I do believe we should be focusing more on renewable energy, green energy…but we need to be looking to the future, not the past.”
This summit, despite its controversies, represents a substantial step toward forging a new economic landscape in Pennsylvania, intertwining its rich energy heritage with the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
