Trump says US will lead in 5G 'very shortly'
The president also talks with CNBC about big tech bias.
President Donald Trump waves before boarding Air Force One.
President Donald Trump on Monday said America will soon be leading the race to build out next-generation 5G.
"I made 5G a priority and before I got here we were way behind and now we are actually going to be leading very shortly," the president told CNBC's Squawk Box, when asked about the country's standing on tech compared with China. Trump added that China doesn't "have near the capability of our geniuses in Silicon Valley that walk around in undershirts and [are] worth $2 billion. They don't have nearly the genius that these people have."
The next-generation of cellular technology, 5G promises a massive boost in speed and responsiveness. It'll power applications like self-driving cars, telemedicine and a new universe of connected devices. In the US, wireless carriers are battling to launch 5G service, and the first 5G smartphones are just starting to become available.
The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for additional comment.
The president touched on several other technology topics during his interview with CNBC, including Huawei and big tech companies allegedly colluding with Democrats against him.
When asked about calls to break up big tech companies including Facebook, Google and Amazon, Trump alleged (again) that they're are biased against conservatives.
"I can tell you they discriminate against me," Trump told CNBC, without providing evidence. "People talk about collusion. The real collusion is between the Democrats and these companies because they were so against me during my election run." The president added that "obviously there is something going on in terms of monopoly."
Amazon declined to comment. Facebook and Google didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
Originally published June 10, 8:16 a.m. PT.
Update, 8:36 a.m.: Adds more details from Trump's interview with CNBC. Update, 10:08 a.m.: Adds Amazon declining to comment.