Huang was honored for advancing GPU computing to power scientific breakthroughs, while Su was recognized for contributions to semiconductor technology and high performance computing. The awards accompanied the administration's science initiative, including $2.4 billion in computing commitments to the Genesis Mission. Nvidia pledged $1 billion in capacity over five years.
Nadella's award came hours after Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of replacing American workers with foreign hires. “Microsoft is a great American company. They also laid off 6,000 Americans workers while replacing them with 6,300 H-1Bs,” Vance said. The administration also blocked Microsoft and several other technology companies from a program allowing permanent hiring of foreign workers. Five of the six medal recipients are immigrants.