Trump says he has a little problem with Tim Cook

Published: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6:12 pm

Trump's "Little Problem" with Apple's India iPhone Plan

President Donald Trump expressed his displeasure with Apple CEO Tim Cook's decision to manufacture iPhones destined for the United States in India, rather than the US. Speaking in Qatar, Trump stated he had a "little problem" with Cook, despite previously treating him well and acknowledging Apple's $500 billion investment plan in the US.

Trump's frustration stems from his long-standing push to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce the trade deficit through tariffs. He wants to see companies like Apple build factories and create jobs within the United States. However, Apple's move to India is a strategic response to avoid these tariffs, which could significantly increase their costs.

Apple's shift to India is not a sudden decision. The company has been gradually expanding its production in India for years, building new factories and hiring staff. This move allows Apple to circumvent tariffs and maintain competitive pricing. While Apple has announced plans to expand its US facilities, analysts believe it's nearly impossible to produce iPhones entirely in the US due to high costs and the complexity of the supply chain. One analyst estimates the price of an iPhone could triple to $3,500 if made in America.

Apple's decision also reflects broader trends, including supply chain diversification and production issues experienced in China during the pandemic.

BNN's Perspective: While President Trump's desire to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US is understandable, the realities of global economics and complex supply chains make it a challenging endeavor. Apple's move to India highlights the difficulties companies face when balancing cost-effectiveness with political pressures. A more nuanced approach, focusing on incentives and collaboration rather than solely on tariffs, might be more effective in achieving the desired outcome.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Tim Cook, Apple, iPhone, India, manufacturing, tariffs, trade, production, supply chain, US manufacturing, jobs, economy, China, tariffs, balance of trade, domestic manufacturing

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