President Donald Trump met with Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook at the White House on Thursday, the meeting comes at a critical time for Apple, as the company faces mounting challenges due to escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Apple is in a difficult position as Trump’s 10% tariff on Chinese-made goods threatens its supply chain. The company, already struggling with sluggish iPhone sales, relies heavily on China for manufacturing while the U.S. remains its largest market. Adding to Apple’s troubles, China is reportedly considering an investigation into its policies and the fees it charges app developers.
Cook’s efforts to maintain ties with Trump
Since Trump’s reelection, Cook has worked to maintain a strong relationship with the president, attending his inauguration last month and visiting his Mar-a-Lago estate during the transition. In Trump’s first term, Cook successfully lobbied for tariff exemptions on Apple’s flagship iPhone. However, the president has since signaled a tougher stance, aiming to impose broader tariffs without making exceptions for specific products.
Ongoing tensions over privacy issues
Despite efforts to collaborate, tensions persist between Apple and the White House over privacy concerns. Trump has criticised Apple for refusing to grant law enforcement access to encrypted devices, arguing that the company should assist in criminal investigations. Apple, however, maintains that creating a backdoor into its operating system would compromise security and leave users vulnerable to hackers.
Following the election, Cook reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to working with the administration, stating that the company looked forward to ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in “ingenuity, innovation, and creativity.” However, with trade and privacy disputes looming, the meeting between Trump and Cook is expected to be crucial in shaping Apple’s future in the U.S. market.
FOX Business Cameras caught Apple CEO Tim Cook on asking into the White House about 10 minutes ago. #Apple #WhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/CONgQhI3bG
— Edward Lawrence (@EdwardLawrence) February 20, 2025
Cook was seen entering the White House around 10:10 AM Eastern Time on Thursday. About 45 minutes later, he exited, offering no details to the waiting cameras aside from saying he had a “great meeting” with the President, as reported by FOX Business.
