Former President Donald Trump recently spoke highly of Apple CEO Tim Cook during a podcast interview, praising Cook for his leadership at the tech giant. Trump mentioned that he believes Apple wouldn’t be as successful without Cook at the helm, comparing his performance favorably to that of the late Apple founder Steve Jobs. The former president also shared details of a recent phone call with Cook, during which the CEO informed him of a substantial fine imposed by the European Union on Apple.
Trump recounted his positive interactions with Cook, particularly highlighting a meeting in 2019 when Cook successfully lobbied for a waiver on tariffs for certain Apple products manufactured in China. The former president commended Cook for personally reaching out to him and advocating for Apple’s interests, noting that Cook’s direct approach made a difference in their discussions. Trump also recalled receiving a Mac Pro as a gift from Cook, which was made at Apple’s Texas manufacturing facility.
Throughout the interview, Trump expressed admiration for Cook’s hands-on approach and emphasized the importance of personal engagement in business dealings. He noted that Cook’s direct communication style set him apart from other corporate executives who often rely on lobbyists to represent their interests.
On the topic of tariffs, Trump discussed his support for imposing tariffs on imported goods, including a proposal to implement blanket tariffs on all products and targeted tariffs on Chinese imports. While Trump’s tariff policies have sparked debate among economists, he remains committed to his agenda of prioritizing domestic manufacturing and economic growth.
In response to inquiries about potential intervention on behalf of Apple in its EU legal issues, a senior advisor from the Trump campaign highlighted endorsements from industry leaders as evidence of the strength of Trump’s economic policies. The campaign emphasized Trump’s focus on promoting innovation and technology in the United States through strategic economic initiatives.
When asked for comment, Apple did not provide a response regarding the discussions with Trump or the EU fines. The company’s stance on the matter remains undisclosed at this time.
Overall, Trump’s favorable remarks about Cook and their past interactions underscore the importance of personal relationships in business and decision-making processes. Despite differing opinions on certain policy issues, the former president’s admiration for Cook’s leadership style and commitment to Apple’s success is evident in his statements.