Editor's Note: On January 2nd, 2025, as Chinese tech dominance reached new heights, our investigation reveals details of President-elect Trump's ambitious $113 billion technology initiative set to launch within hours of his inauguration. What follows could reshape America's technological future.

The November 19th meeting at SpaceX's Starship facility in Texas wasn't just another photo op. When Donald Trump and Elon Musk emerged from their three-hour closed-door session, something had changed. "We're going to beat China at their own game," Trump declared, standing beside the world's richest man. "And we're going to do it faster than anyone thinks possible."

That meeting, we've learned, was about much more than rockets.

According to sources close to the transition team, it was the final planning session for a $113 billion technology initiative modeled after the original Manhattan Project - but aimed at countering China's growing tech dominance.

"Many investors assume that the incoming administration's push for deregulation will unleash 'animal spirits,'" notes Morgan Stanley's Lisa Shalett. But our investigation reveals it's far more strategic than mere deregulation.

The Numbers Tell the Story

While Tesla reported its first annual sales decline today, falling behind China's BYD, Trump's team was putting final touches on what one insider calls "the most ambitious industrial policy since World War II."

The initiative includes:

• $47 billion in direct investment in American AI companies
• $31 billion for advanced manufacturing facilities
• $25 billion for semiconductor independence
• $10 billion for quantum computing research

"The nuts-and-bolts job of being a car company isn't enough anymore," says Patrick George, editor of InsideEVs. "This is about who will control the future of technology."

Musk's New Role

After spending $277 million supporting Trump's campaign and stumping across swing states, Musk has been tapped to co-lead an advisory group that will help implement the initiative. During their November meeting in Texas, captured in Reuters photos showing both men examining Starship blueprints, Trump reportedly told Musk: "You built Tesla. Now help me rebuild American tech."

The China Challenge

Today's numbers tell the story. Tesla's deliveries fell to 1.79 million vehicles in 2024, while Chinese competitor BYD surged ahead. But this is about more than just cars.

"Its growth is failing to keep up with growth of the market," says Sam Fiorani of Auto Forecast Solutions. Chinese companies like BYD are now expanding globally, setting up plants outside China and exporting aggressively.

The 18-Day Countdown

With just 18 days until inauguration, Trump's team is moving quickly. Sources say Executive Orders are already drafted to:

• Fast-track $113 billion in funding
• Create new tech development zones
• Streamline permits for manufacturing
• Establish the new Tech Independence Council

The Advisory Group

Beyond Musk, Trump has assembled what one insider calls a "technological war cabinet:"

• Leading AI researchers
• Semiconductor executives
• Quantum computing pioneers
• Advanced manufacturing experts

"What we're seeing is unprecedented," says one Silicon Valley venture capitalist involved in the planning. "This isn't just about catching up to China. It's about leaping ahead."

Investment Implications

While the full details remain under wraps until inauguration day, several sectors are positioned to benefit:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Quantum Computing
• Advanced Materials
• Robotics and Automation

The Next 90 Days

Sources say the first 90 days will see:

• Initial $27 billion deployment
• First manufacturing zone designations
• Key executive appointments
• Major contract awards

"This initiative will reshape the technological landscape," says one transition team member. "January 20th isn't just inauguration day. It's day one of America's tech renaissance."