Apple's Tim Cook Meets with Trump Amid Tariff Concerns
Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook met with President Donald Trump at the White House, as new tariffs on Chinese-made goods threaten the company’s flagship iPhone. A person familiar with the meeting confirmed the discussion but did not disclose specific agenda details.
Cook has maintained a close relationship with Trump since his reelection, attending his inauguration and visiting Mar-a-Lago during the presidential transition. His company now faces mounting trade tensions, with a 10% tariff on Chinese imports posing a significant challenge. China, Apple’s primary manufacturing hub, is also weighing a probe into the company’s policies and app store fees.
During Trump’s first term, Cook successfully secured tariff exemptions for Apple products. However, the president has indicated that new tariffs may not come with similar carve-outs as he looks to implement broader restrictions on imported goods. Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested he is aiming to minimize exemptions, raising concerns for Apple’s supply chain.
Following Trump’s reelection, Cook expressed his intent to collaborate with the administration, emphasizing Apple’s commitment to innovation and creativity in the U.S. However, the relationship between the two has not been without friction. Trump has criticized Apple’s privacy policies, urging the company to grant law enforcement access to encrypted iPhones. Apple has resisted, arguing that creating a backdoor could compromise user security.
As Apple navigates geopolitical tensions and regulatory scrutiny, Cook’s meeting with Trump signals efforts to protect the company’s business interests amid the administration’s evolving trade policies.
