Apple CEO Courts Trump with Luxe Gift

For a while, it seemed that Apple might have fallen from Trump’s good graces. When Trump took office for his second term as the US President, he looked like he was on good terms with Apple and its CEO, Tim Cook. However, after Cook rebuffed Trump’s requests to build iPhones in the US, things looked like they were about to sour. However, it appears that fences have been mended, especially after Apple CEO Cook gifted Trump a 24k gold and glass statue.

Apple CEO just gave Trump 24k of gold

During a White House press conference, Apple CEO Tim Cook presented Trump with a 24k gold and glass statue. The press conference was about Apple’s plans to build more manufacturing facilities in the US. This is something that Trump has been pushing for. To commemorate the moment, Cook gave Trump a statue.

This statue isn’t just some gaudy gift, it does hold some significance. For starters, it features glass made by Corning, who is also the manufacturer the glass used in Apple’s iPhone displays. It was also designed by a former US Marine Corps corporal, who currently works for Apple. The base, made from 24k gold, was also made in the US in Utah. The statue also features Apple’s logo carved into the glass, President Trump’s name, and also a “Made in USA” label. 

Made in the USA

Trump has been pushing for more companies to bring manufacturing back to the US. The US President recently announced that his administration would impose a 100% tariffs on imported chips and semiconductors. However, companies like Apple and NVIDIA were spared. Namely because of their commitment to build more manufacturing plants in the US.

According to Trump, companies would be exempt from these tariffs is they build in the US, or offer up a commitment to build in the US. In Apple’s case, the company promised to invest another $100 billion in the US economy. This brings Apple’s investment in the US to around $600 billion, which is expected to be spent over the next few years.

However, we’re not sure what kind of products Apple plans to build in the US. Cook and Apple’s late co-founder, Steve Jobs, have mentioned several times that building the iPhone in the US is a near-impossible task. This is because of the skilled labor and equipment that has already been established in China. This doesn’t mean it can’t be done, but it will definitely take time and a lot of money.

So maybe Trump’s exemption, for now, could be the break Apple needs to start building up its facilities in the US.