William Gallagher
Apple's Tim Cook attended President Trump's gathering of business CEOs via satellite, and committed the company to working with the administration.
Cook has continued his political handling of Trump that's previously included conversations and meetings, which led to the president granting Apple a tariff exemption, despite then immediately denying that he had. This time, Cook appeared by satellite at a publicity meeting between Trump and around 20 business leaders, on April 30, 2025, according to Fox Business.
After apologizing that he couldn't be present in person, Cook repeated his regular remark that, "Apple could only have been created in the United States."
"We are a uniquely American company, and we care deeply about our impact on this country," he continued. Cook then gave examples of Apple's work in the US, starting with its politically savvy reframing of regular projects as $500 billion of new investment.
"I want to take a moment to recognize President Trump's focus on domestic semiconductor manufacturing," said Cook, "and we will continue to work with the administration as we invest in these areas."
"Needless to say, we are excited for the future of American innovation and the incredible opportunities it will create," he continued, "and we are honored to do our part."
Present in person at the meeting were Nvidia's Jensen Huang, plus representatives from Johnson & Johnson, Pratt Factories, and others.
A Tim Cook-autographed Apple Silicon wafer on display next to an aircraft engine at the White House — image credit: FoxWhile a photocall was held in the Oval Office, the rest of the meeting took place in a White House room that featured examples of the various CEO's businesses. Alongside a Pratt & Whitney engine, there was an Apple Silicon wafer in a case autographed by Tim Cook.
The gift follows Cook's presentation to Trump of a Mac Pro in 2019.
Reportedly, as well as the PR aspect of the gathering, Trump is said to have met in private with the business leaders. It has not been reported whether they discussed tariffs, and the meeting was held before Cook revealed that Apple expects to take a $900 million hit from Trump's plans in the next quarter.
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Marko Zivkovic
Christine McKee
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32 Comments
It disgusts me that this is what business leaders in this country now have to do. Kiss the ring of a clueless wannabe dictator. I do not fault Tim. He is only doing what he needs to do in the best interest of Apple.
We’re living in a very corrupt age and business leaders appear to be fine with a lot of the corruption.
I see the pain in Tim’s eyes for having to say such things publicly…
Why am I reminded of that scene in The Godfather, Part II where all the various American executives are seated at the table with the president of Cuba as he assures them the insurrectionists are no concern, and only Michael Corleone seemed aware that real trouble was brewing?
Cook is not a dumb man. I'm sure he says what he needs to say to make sure Apple's interests are represented and protected.