Following the major news networks calling the 2020 Election on Nov. 7 in favor of now President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, congratulations poured in from big tech companies and CEOs.
While President Trump has yet to concede, most of the major tech companies have already praised the incoming President and pledged to work with the ticket to advance shared technology goals, including the COVID-19 response, education, and workforce development.
In a Nov. 9 letter to President-elect Biden, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said “In your speech on Saturday evening, you spoke about bringing the country together to tackle the monumental challenges our nation faces. IBM is committed to working with your Administration to do its part. We share your vision of using science to control the virus, widening economic opportunities, achieving racial justice, and combatting the climate crisis.”
Krishna continued, “We believe technology can serve as a force for progress. In that spirit, I suggest here some policy initiatives to help all Americans benefit from the promise of technological innovation.” He urged the Biden administration to leverage science and technology to fight COVID-19; close the digital skills gap; pass legislation to help erase barriers to advancement or alleviate systemic racism; modernize digital infrastructure and promote sustainability; and build trust in technology.
Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates tweeted his congratulations and said “I look forward to working with the new administration and leaders on both sides in Congress on getting the surging pandemic under control, engaging partners around the world on issues like poverty and climate change, and addressing issues of inequality and opportunity at home.”
In a Nov. 7 blog post, Microsoft President Brad Smith also offered his congratulations – as he did in 2016 to President Trump. He noted, “at Microsoft, we believe that Americans share more common ground than many pundits acknowledge, particularly when it comes to technology issues. On many of these matters, there is an opportunity to separate policies from politics so we can make a real difference in people’s lives.” In his blog, Smith discussed closing the broadband divide, investing in AI-based automation technologies, improving digital workforce skills, strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity, improving consumer privacy protections, and promoting technological innovation.
Cisco Chairman and CEO Chuck Robbins tweeted his congratulations, saying “We at Cisco share your belief that we must build a more inclusive future for all. We look forward to working with you to strengthen the economy, recover from COVID-19, and unite our country.”
He specifically mentioned that “Cisco is eager to work with the new Administration and Congress to strengthen digital infrastructure to help businesses, schools, hospitals, and government agencies modernize. Investments in rural broadband, cybersecurity, and spectrum will help us bridge the digital divide.”
Robbins also tweeted, “On a personal note, I want to congratulate our home state Senator and friend, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris for her glass-shattering accomplishment. We are so proud of this historic achievement!”
In an Instagram post, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who has often found himself at odds with the Trump administration, said “Unity, empathy, and decency are not characteristics of a bygone era. Congratulations President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. By voting in record numbers, the American people proved again that our democracy is strong.”
The Business Roundtable, an association group for major CEOs, offered their congratulations in a Nov. 7 statement. Business Roundtable members include the CEOs of Accenture, Apple, Intel, Dell Technologies, and Oracle. The statement said the organization looks forward to working with the incoming Biden Administration and all Federal and state policymakers.
Unlike other companies issuing statements, Business Roundable commented on President Trump’s claim of election fraud. “While we respect the Trump campaign’s right to seek recounts, to call for investigation of alleged voting irregularities where evidence exists and to exhaust legitimate legal remedies, there is no indication that any of these would change the outcome,” the statement said.
