Tech Titans Bow to Trump: Tim Cook Joins the Line at Mar-a-Lago

From "Think Different" to "Think Deferent": Apple’s CEO cozies up to Trump, trading innovation for appeasement as he seeks favors to safeguard Apple’s empire.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to dine with President-elect Donald J. Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, marking their first meeting since Trump’s reelection. Cook, who maintained a notably cordial relationship with Trump during his first term, is expected to discuss pressing issues for Apple, including regulatory challenges from Europe and potential tariffs that could impact the iPhone business. The meeting underscores Cook's unique approach to navigating political relationships, which has benefited Apple in the past.

According to sources, the dinner will take place on the patio at Trump’s private Florida estate. Cook’s relationship with Trump has been markedly warmer compared to other tech leaders such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Google’s Sundar Pichai, both of whom recently met with Trump. During Trump’s first term, Cook’s direct engagement with the president helped Apple dodge tariffs on several products, an outcome Cook hopes to replicate as new trade pressures loom.

Trump has previously expressed admiration for Cook’s straightforward communication style. In a podcast interview, Trump recalled Cook calling him about European regulators’ $2 billion fine against Apple, prompting Trump to pledge his support: “I’m not going to let them take advantage of our companies. That won’t be happening.” Cook’s ability to maintain strong ties with the administration sets him apart from other tech executives navigating strained relations with Trump.

This meeting comes amid broader outreach efforts by other tech leaders like Jeff Bezos, scheduled to meet Trump next week, and companies like Meta and Amazon donating $1 million each to Trump’s inaugural fund. As Cook prepares to navigate a second Trump term without allies like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who previously mediated key discussions, the stakes for Apple’s future business dealings remain high.

Source: The New York Times