President Donald Trump just dropped a bombshell on Apple, and Tim Cook is probably sweating bullets. The commander in chief took to Truth Social, warning that iPhones sold in America better be made on American soil -- or else. A hefty 25% tariff looms if Apple doesn’t ditch its foreign factories, as Breitbart reports.
Trump’s ultimatum demands that Apple shift production from China and India to the U.S., threatening a tariff slap if the company does not comply. Apple has been cozying up to India’s trade perks, but Trump’s not having it. This isn’t a suggestion -- it’s a red-white-and-blue demand.
The saga kicked off when Trump and Cook met at the White House on Tuesday. Sparks flew as Trump aired his gripes about Apple’s India expansion. Cook, who donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, might’ve thought he had an ally -- guess again.
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States,” Trump declared. That’s not a request; it’s an economic gauntlet. Apple’s globalist dreams just hit a patriot-sized wall.
Apple’s shares took a 3% nosedive in premarket trading after Trump’s post. Investors know tariffs mean higher costs, and Apple’s already bracing for $900 million in tariff-related expenses this quarter. Turns out, defying Trump’s America-first agenda stings.
Trump has been hammering Apple to move production stateside for years. He previously nudged them to ditch India, but Apple doubled down, with Foxconn pumping $1.5 billion into Indian facilities. Looks like Cook’s betting on curry over country.
“I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday. He is building all over India,” Trump fumed. That “little problem” could cost Apple billions if tariffs hit.
Most iPhones are assembled in China, but Apple’s been shifting some production to India to dodge trade tensions. India’s favorable U.S. trade status made it a safe bet -- until Trump’s Truth Social tirade. Now, Apple’s stuck between a rock and a tariff.
Trump’s not just targeting Apple. He’s also pushing for a 50% tariff on EU imports, signaling a broader trade crackdown. The U.S. had eased tariffs, including with China, but Trump’s ready to crank up the heat again.
Apple’s trying to play nice, announcing a $500 billion U.S. investment, including AI servers in Houston. But that’s pocket change compared to the tariff tsunami Trump’s threatening. Throwing cash at inauguration funds won’t buy Cook a pass.
Foxconn’s $1.5 billion India expansion is a bold move, but it’s poking the tariff bear. Trump has made it clear: iPhones sold here get made here, or Apple pays the price. Cook’s global supply chain dreams are looking like a costly mirage.
Trump is currently on a state visit to Qatar, but his trade war’s raging from afar. His Truth Social posts are shaking markets and boardrooms alike. Apple is learning the hard way: ignore Trump at your peril.
Apple’s earnings report already flagged $900 million in tariff costs for this quarter. A 25% iPhone tariff would jack up prices, hitting consumers and Apple’s bottom line. Maybe it’s time Cook rethinks that India obsession.
Trump’s tariff talk isn’t new, but his resolve is ironclad. He’s not swayed by Cook’s charm or Apple’s promises. This is about American jobs, not corporate excuses.
The ball’s in Apple’s court, but the clock is ticking. Will Cook bring iPhone production home, or will he roll the dice on tariffs? One thing’s clear: in Trump’s America, actions have consequences.
