Trump, SoftBank CEO to announce $100b US investment plan

President-elect Donald Trump is set to host Masayoshi Son, CEO of Japan’s SoftBank Group, at his Florida home on Monday to unveil a $100 billion investment plan for U.S. projects over the next four years.

Trump, known for spotlighting deals with significant media attention, has had mixed results with similar announcements in the past. One notable example is Foxconn Technology Group’s 2017 pledge to build a $10 billion complex in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, and employ 13,000 people. That project was later scaled back, however, as pandemic-era challenges reshaped the tech industry.

Despite past setbacks, the SoftBank deal marks a potential win for Trump as he seeks to position himself as a champion of economic growth ahead of taking office. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming press secretary, praised the development, saying, “He’s not even in the Oval Office yet and he’s already delivering on his promises for the American worker.”

On Truth Social, Trump celebrated the initiative, writing, “Anyone making a $1 billion investment in the United States will receive fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental approvals. GET READY TO ROCK!!!”

SoftBank, known for its Vision Funds, has an extensive investment portfolio that includes Yahoo, Alibaba, and Nvidia. Earlier this year, it partnered with Saudi Arabia to build a robotics factory in Riyadh. Son’s relationship with Trump dates back to 2016, when he pledged to invest $50 billion in U.S. startups and create 50,000 jobs following Trump’s initial election victory.

Reflecting on the 2016 deal, Trump said at the time, “This is what happens when you win an election. This never would have happened without me.”

Although some SoftBank investments, such as WeWork, floundered, Monday’s announcement underscores Son’s continued confidence in U.S. opportunities. Speaking about the new plan, Son remarked, “The United States remains a hub of innovation, and we’re excited to deepen our investments here.”

Monday’s announcement comes just days after Trump vowed to expedite federal permits for energy projects and other construction worth more than $1 billion. It was first reported by *The Wall Street Journal*.