Apple fans slam Tim Cook for his message to Trump

Apple fans have slammed CEO Tim Cook for congratulating Donald Trump on his victory after beating Kamal Harris in the 2024 US Election.

Cook said on X that the tech giant looks forward to working with him to ‘help make sure the US continues to lead with and be fueled by ingenuity, innovation, and creativity.’

However, users flooded the post with comments criticizing the CEO for ‘interfering with the election since 2016,’ citing claims that Siri only showed a picture of Harris’ face when asked about the 2024 general election. 

Many of the comments urged Apple to start manufacturing its products in the US, which has been expressed by Trump along the campaign trail.

‘We will reclaim our nation’s destiny as the No. 1 manufacturing superpower in the world,’ he said in August.

While some Apple users were surprised by Cook’s praise, but the CEO and Trump have formed a relationship over the years.

Last month, the president-elect said that ‘if Tim Cook didn’t run Apple, if Steve Jobs did, it wouldn’t be nearly as successful as it is now.’

Cook shared his message on X, praising Trump for his victory. Apple has long rubbed elbows with the president. The tech giant visited the White House 87 times during Biden’s term

The two met in 2019 to discuss Trump’s tariffs on certain imports from China, which greatly impacted Apple, which ended with Apple agreeing to invest in in U.S. manufacturing for its Mac Pro.

Apple is known for rubbing elbows with the president, with the tech giant visiting the White House 87 times during Biden’s term. Cook was present 11.

‘Tim Cook and Apple trying to make up ground with Trump so he plays nice with them as President,’ one X user commented.

The claims referenced videos showing iPhone users asking Siri when the date of the presidential election, seeing a notification appear with Harris’ face and ‘November 5, 2024

While some Apple fans were surprised by Cook’s message, he and Trump have had a relationship for years

The user continued with a claim that ‘They tried to help Harris win.’

‘That’s ok. That’s how this is supposed to work. Their person didn’t win, but are open to working with the elected president. I don’t hate this,’ another X user commented. 

Other comments speculated that Cook’s message was an attempt to avoid potential tariffs under the Trump administration. 

Trump has proposed adding a tariff of 10 percent to 20 percent on all imports, with significantly higher levies on imports from China, to boost the US economy.

However, Forecasters at Pantheon Macroeconomics have suggested even a 10 percent tariff would see inflation spike by 0.8 percentage points next year.

Cook also phoned Trump last month to discuss financial penalties imposed imposed by the European Union on the the company.

‘Two hours ago, three hours ago, he (Cook) called me,’ Trump said, while speaking with podcaster Patrick Bet-David. 

‘He said the European Union has just fined us $15 billion. … Then on top of that they got fined by the European Union another $2 billion,’ Trump added, quoting his call with Cook. 

The Apple CEO’s concerns followed a loss in court with the US, resulting in the tech giant paying $14 billion in back taxes to Ireland. 

‘Tim, I got to get elected first. … But I’m not going to let them take advantage of our companies. That won’t be happening,’ Trump said, quoting himself as saying the statements to Cook.