US: Trump to tech’s leaders: I’m on your side

President-elect Donald Trump met with top leaders from the country’s most prominent technology companies on Wednesday in what was supposed to be a discussion about jobs and shaping America’s future reported Forbes.

Instead, few specifics were discussed, at least in public, as Trump spoke in generalities on how he could work with Silicon Valley titans like Apple and Facebook.

“I want to add that I’m here to help you folks do well, and you’re doing well right now,” he said to a room that included Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos and Alphabet CEO Larry Page. “There’s nobody like you in the world.”

While Trump is a neophyte when it comes to using consumer technology–he reportedly does not use email–the president-elect comprehends the importance of the sector to American progress. Despite this, he has maintained a frosty relationship with technology’s most important companies. During the election, virtually none of the industry’s leaders supported him, many backed his opponent Hillary Clinton and some openly challenged his temperament and qualifications for the nation’s highest office.

Wednesday’s heavily-publicized meeting at Manhattan’s Trump Tower was perhaps the first step towards conciliation, as Trump–flanked by Vice President-elect Mike Pence and transition team member Peter Thiel–smiled for news cameras, which were allowed for at least part of the event, and boasted of his post-election “bounce.” Thiel, the only Silicon Valley luminary to openly back Trump with his money and influence prior to the election, sat directly to Trump’s left, and received rich praise for his backing.

“I want to start by thanking Peter because he saw something very early, maybe before we saw it, and of course he’s known for that in a different way, but he’s been so true I think, and so outstanding,” said Trump, later awkwardly clasping the venture capitalist’s right palm with his two hands. “He’s ahead of the curve and I want to thank him,” Trump said to open the meeting.

Full Content: Forbes

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