Donald Trump invited Apple CEO Tim Cook for the Middle East tour, Cook refused
Prior to US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the Middle East, the White House asked several business leaders of top American companies to join the journey. One of the invited people was the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook.
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In short
- Tim Cook was not part of the entry coming with Trump on his Middle Eastern visit
- Two people close to the case say that this decision harasses Trump.
- During the journey, Trump made several public comments about Cook’s absence.
Prior to US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the Middle East, the White House asked several business leaders of top American companies to join the journey. One of the invited people was the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook. But Cook chose not to go according to a report the new York TimesTwo people close to the case say that this decision harasses Trump. During the visit, which included stops in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar, Trump made several public comments about Cook’s absence.
Speaking at an event in Riyadh, Trump thanked NVidia CEO Jensen Huang for attending the tour. Then he told that Tim Cook was not there. “I mean, Tim Cook is not here, but you are,” Trump said Huang in front of other top company heads such as Larry Fink of Blackrock, Citigroup’s Jane Fraser and O Openai’s Sam Altman. Later, during his visit to Qatar, Trump said he had “a small problem with Tim Cook” and felt sad that Apple was doing his production work in India instead of America.
Soon after, Trump posted a message on social media stating that he could impose 25 percent tax on iPhones outside the US. It was surprising for many people, some of whom were involved in their own team and Apple. A few weeks ago, Cook spoke with the government and obtained special permission to avoid another high tax on the iPhone made in China. That deal now seems to be in danger.
Meanwhile, Apple is planning a big plan in India. As financial TimesFoxconn, which helps the company Apple to manufacture its iPhones, is setting up a new $ 1.5 billion (about Rs 12,768 crore) factory near Chennai. This plant will create parts for iPhones, including the screen controlling display modules. India is already the second largest smartphone market in the world, and Apple is expected to increase production there in the coming years.
Trump is not happy about this. He publicly said that he does not want Apple Building in India much. They believe that more iPhones should be made in America. This has made Apple’s commercial decisions a part of a major political logic.
Experts say Tim Cook used to do a strong job with Trump. He was seen as someone who could talk to the President and keep things calm between Apple and the government. But now this cannot happen.
As the new York TimesApple has not commented on the matter, and the White House has also not shared any details about Cook, which is not about not being involved in the Middle East.
