In interviews and more social media posts, US President Trump has credited himself for Tim Cook's success, but says he's honored Apple hasn't asked for its tariff refund.

While the administration is now being forced to pay back tariffs it illegally imposed on US businesses, reportedly Apple has yet to apply for the refund. Apple has not commented on this, but President Trump was asked if it were true, and if the company didn't want to offend him.

"I think it's brilliant if they don't do that," Trump told CNBC. "Actually, if they don't do that, they got to know me very well. I'm very honored by what you just said. If they don't do that, I'll remember them."

The answers were not very clear, as he went off onto topics complaining about the Supreme Court, but the implication was that companies should not ask for their money back. He'll remember the ones that don't, means that he'll also keep in mind those that do.

Separately, on his Truth Social platform, he wrote about Tim Cook stepping down as CEO, saying that he "was very impressed with himself to have the head of Apple calling to 'kiss my ass'."

Trump wrote that during his five years as president, he has helped "Tim" out with "3 or 5 BIG HELPS".

"He makes these calls to me, I help him out (but not always, because he will, on occasion, be too aggressive in his ask!)," continued Trump, "and he gets the job done, QUICKLY, without a dime being given to those very expensive (millions of dollars!) consultants around town who sometimes get it done, and sometimes don't."

President Trump doesn't mention having imposed extra tariffs on Apple because Cook refused one invitation. Instead, he describes Cook as having had "an AMAZING career, almost incomparable."

"Quite simply, Tim Cook is an incredible guy!!!" he concluded.

There's also no mention of how the "helps," about a "fairly large problem that only I, as President, could fix," would presumably have been about tariffs. "He explained his problem, a tough one it was, I felt he was right and got it taken care of, quickly and effectively,' claims Trump.

None of the President's comments are terribly clear, but in 2025 he did give Apple a significant break with exemptions to his own tariffs.

Controversial gambits

Cook has not commented on Trump's remarks, but has previously said that the administration has been open to discussion. Cook had similar discussions with the Biden and Obama administrations, too, though it was only with Trump that he had a trophy made up to present to him.

Observers have been divided about how to read the situation as a whole. On one side, it appears as if Cook is bowing down to authoritarianism, but on the other, it seems Cook is playing the President in a way that keeps Apple clear of reprisals.

While it is true that Apple should have the leverage to push back against the administration's policies and actions, it is also true that no one is immune from the power being bandied about here.

Whatever Cook's motivations, the results are clear. Apple has been able to operate without changing its company culture or removing DEI initiatives, which has not been the case for the rest of Silicon Valley.

It has also vastly reduced the damages caused by the sweeping, seemingly random, and now deemed illegal tariffs. As Cook steps down, the history books will remember how Apple behaved under President Trump, for better or worse.