Trump’s 6G Comments Spark Global Eyebrows
Donald Trump once again captured global attention, but this time not for policy or politics—his remarks on 6G left tech experts shaking their heads. Speaking at the APEC CEO Summit, Trump appeared confused about the next generation of wireless technology, equating 6G with video quality instead of its actual role in faster, more reliable internet. His comments, delivered in front of Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, quickly circulated online, sparking both amusement and concern.
6G Isn’t About Cameras
For clarity, 6G refers to the sixth generation of cellular networks, designed to drastically improve wireless connectivity, latency, and speed. It is not a measure of video resolution or camera clarity—that’s what 8K refers to. Trump’s quip about “getting a little deeper view into somebody’s skin” highlighted his misunderstanding, confusing network evolution with visual technology. Tech insiders were left bemused as the discussion unfolded live on television.
Full Remarks Reveal Ongoing Confusion
Trump’s live remarks included a mix of nostalgia for older camera technology and puzzlement over 6G’s capabilities. “So we’re into 6G now, yeesh… What does that do, give you a little bit deeper view into somebody’s skin?” he mused. He also wondered aloud about the progression to 7G, questioning if there would ever be an endpoint to these advancements. The full clip captured the mix of humor and bewilderment surrounding the topic.
A History of Misunderstanding Tech
This isn’t the first time Trump has confused technical terms. From claiming Apple could help roll out 5G to asserting that the Moon is part of Mars, his tech commentary often mixes bravado with inaccuracies. Even his leadership on 5G, which included approving T-Mobile’s Sprint merger and assigning FCC commissioners, drew criticism from tech experts who saw the policies as more beneficial to carriers than consumers.
Public Reaction Was Swift
Social media erupted with memes, jokes, and critical takes on Trump’s 6G remarks. Tech enthusiasts pointed out the gap between his description and real-world cellular technology, emphasizing the difference between network evolution and camera resolutions. Commentators also noted that while the confusion was amusing, it underscored a broader issue of political leaders discussing technical matters without full understanding.
Experts Step In
Industry leaders like Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon remained polite and restrained during the live discussion, refraining from correcting Trump on-air. Analysts later weighed in, clarifying that 6G promises innovations like holographic communications, advanced AI integration, and ultra-low-latency connections. Despite these technical breakthroughs, Trump’s remarks suggested a continued disconnect between political rhetoric and engineering realities.
Why It Matters
Understanding 6G and emerging technologies isn’t just about tech enthusiasts—it impacts infrastructure, economic growth, and international competitiveness. Misstatements like Trump’s, while often humorous, highlight the importance of accurate information when discussing technologies that will shape industries and everyday life. As 6G research accelerates globally, public and political literacy about tech will remain crucial.
While Trump’s remarks generated laughs, the real story is the pace of technological advancement. 6G is still in early development, but it promises transformative changes for mobile connectivity and digital ecosystems worldwide. Leaders, industry insiders, and the public alike will need to stay informed to navigate these changes effectively—lest confusion continues to dominate the conversation.
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