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Trump Criticizes Apple CEO Tim Cook on Middle East Trip

5/26/2025

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Trump Critiques Cook

During President Trump's recent Middle East trip, he extended an invitation to U.S. business leaders, but Apple CEO Tim Cook's refusal to join sparked irritation. In Riyadh, Trump lauded Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang for his presence, openly criticizing Cook's absence in front of executives from BlackRock and Citigroup, highlighting the tension between tech giants and the administration.

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Trump Threatens Tariff

President Trump has stirred up trade tensions by threatening a hefty 25% tariff on Apple if iPhones aren’t made in the U.S. This comes on the heels of his alarming 50% tariff warning on European goods, igniting fierce opposition from EU officials. Experts caution that shifting production is fraught with challenges, underscoring the intricacies of global supply chains.

History

Historical Context

During President Trump's Middle East trip, tensions with tech leaders emerged, reminiscent of past U.S. administrations' struggles with corporate giants. Historically, presidential visits to the region have often aimed to strengthen economic ties, as seen in FDR's 1945 Cairo Conference. Trump's criticism of Apple highlights ongoing friction between government policies and the tech industry, echoing previous conflicts over trade and production.

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Trump Critiques Cook

During President Trump's recent Middle East trip, he extended an invitation to U.S. business leaders, but Apple CEO Tim Cook's refusal to join sparked irritation. In Riyadh, Trump lauded Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang for his presence, openly criticizing Cook's absence in front of executives from BlackRock and Citigroup, highlighting the tension between tech giants and the administration.

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