Apple CEO Tim Cook appeared virtually at a gathering of business executives this week to celebrate President Trump’s first 100 days in office.“I wanna take a moment to recognize President Trump’s focus on domestic semiconductor manufacturing, and we will continue to work with the administration as we invest in these areas,” Cook said during his pre-recorded comments.In his commentary, Cook touted Apple’s announcement of a $500 billion investment in the United States over the next four years and the company’s long history of working with domestic suppliers.
The White House shared a video of Cook’s comments on YouTube.Here’s the transcript: Cook has cozied up to Trump several times since he won reelection in November.In December, the Apple CEO met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
He also donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund and subsequently attended the inauguration in January.Additionally, Cook has closely communicated with the Trump administration regarding the ongoing tariff saga and how it could impact Apple.During Apple’s fiscal Q2 earnings call on Thursday, Cook repeatedly touted Apple’s investment in the United States economy.
“Obviously, we’re very engaged on the tariff discussions,” Cook also said to analysts.“We believe in engagement and will continue to engage.” 9to5Mac’s Take The reality is that Cook should be thanking former President Biden for focus on domestic semiconductor manufacturing … and Cook very well knows that.In 2022, Cook and Biden paid a visit to the TSMC semiconductor plant in Arizona, touting a substantial expansion of TSMC’s investment in the United States made possible CHIPS Act that Biden signed into law.
In his comments at that event, Cook said: TSMC’s initial investment was announced near the end of Trump’s first term.The project, however, has grown significantly in the years since thanks to the funding provided by the CHIPS Act passed during Biden’s tenure.Trump, meanwhile, has called the CHIPS Act “ridiculous” and “horrible,” and threatened to withhold its funding.
I’m sure it’s an honest mistake that Cook has forgotten that Biden is to thank for these latest domestic semiconductor manufacturing advancements.I’m sure it has nothing to do with him looking for further reprieve from the nearly $1 billion impact the current administration’s tariff policies will have on its Q3 earnings. You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.
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