President Biden praises Microsoft's decision to invest billions in artificial intelligence in Wisconsin as part of the tech giant's global investment offensive to calm fears about the powerful technology. The announcement of the $3.3 billion investment in a new data center and training programs took place on Wednesday at Gateway Technical College, bringing Biden to the same county in Wisconsin that was previously touted by former President Trump as the site for a much-publicized, but largely failed investment by Foxconn.
"Look what has happened. They dug a hole with these golden shovels and then fell into it," said Biden, referring to a 2018 ceremony with Trump. "Foxconn has turned out to be just that: a scam."
The investment in Wisconsin is the latest in a series of major facilities that Microsoft has announced in the USA, Europe, and Asia to expand its AI network. The new data center is expected to initially create 2,300 construction jobs and ultimately up to 2,000 data center jobs.
As Biden emphasizes private and federal investments in new technologies such as the Intel semiconductor facilities in Arizona and Ohio, Wednesday's event also had a political hue. Biden took the opportunity to draw a contrast to Trump's promotion of Foxconn, which had promised to employ 13,000 people at its Wisconsin site by 2032 but later scaled back its plans.
"On my watch, we make promises and we keep promises," said Biden, who was greeted with calls for "four more years!"
The Republican Party's Response Did Not Delay. The chairman of the Republican National Committee, Michael Whatley, declared that Biden is trying to downplay his poor economic track record. "No wonder Biden is lagging behind in Wisconsin and other contested states: His policies have failed and the people want President Trump back in office," he said.
Microsoft also plans to establish a new AI lab at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee to train workers in the use of AI technology.
As technology giants tout the benefits of generative AI and invest unprecedented sums into the technology, they face public fears that AI could ultimately destroy jobs.
Microsoft, Amazon.com, Google Parent Alphabet, and Meta Platforms Each Pledged to Invest Tens of Billions of Dollars in the Coming Years to Expand AI Infrastructure. Data Center Space in the USA Grew by 26% Last Year, According to Real Estate Company CBRE, with a Record Amount Under Construction.
Smith said programs like the manufacturing lab in Wisconsin help to show that AI is meant to support people, not to replace them.
"We have an enormous responsibility to ensure that this technology serves people," said Smith in an interview. "Part of that is making sure that it operates safely and remains under human control. Another part is really the support and help with the transition of the economy."
