“FOX Business Cameras caught Apple CEO Tim Cook on asking [sic whisking?] into the White House about 10 minutes ago,” Edward Lawrence, Fox Business White House Correspondent, reported on X Thursday morning.
One topic raised at the meeting was likely trade policy and tariffs. Historically, Cook has engaged Trump on this issue, notably in 2019 when he successfully lobbied to soften tariffs on Chinese imports that affected Apple’s supply chain. With Trump back in office and his administration emphasizing “America First” economic policies, Cook might have raised concerns about potential new tariffs on imported tech components or finished goods from China, where much of Apple’s manufacturing occurs. He could have pushed for exemptions or incentives to keep costs manageable for American consumers while aligning with Trump’s goal of boosting domestic investment.
Another likely discussion point is U.S. investment and job creation. Trump recently teased on January 19, 2025, that Cook hinted at a “massive investment” in the U.S., possibly spurred by Trump’s election win. This meeting might have been a follow-up to flesh out details—perhaps plans for new manufacturing facilities, data centers, or expanded R&D hubs. Cook could have emphasized how Apple’s $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund reflects a commitment to collaboration, while Trump might have pressed for specifics on job numbers to tout as a political win.
Technology policy and AI could also have been on the table. With the tech landscape shifting toward artificial intelligence, Cook might have sought clarity on Trump’s stance on regulating AI development or ensuring U.S. competitiveness against global rivals like China. Apple’s recent integration of AI tools into its devices aligns with Trump’s interest in emerging technologies, as seen in his December 2024 SoftBank deal for AI-focused jobs. They might have explored how Apple could contribute to workforce training initiatives, a topic Cook championed during Trump’s first term via the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board.
Finally, antitrust and regulatory pressures might have surfaced. Apple faces ongoing scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department over alleged smartphone market dominance, a case that intensified under Biden. Cook could have probed Trump’s intentions regarding this lawsuit or sought assurances that his administration would take a lighter touch on Big Tech regulation, especially given Trump’s past praise for Cook’s direct engagement with him.
MacDailyNews Note: The private Oval Office discussion between President Trump and Apple’s CEO concluded at approximately 11:15 a.m. Eastern Time. Lawrence noted that Cook, speaking to FOX Business afterward, described the encounter as a “great meeting” with the President Trump.
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