Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed concerns on Wednesday about Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook’s discussions with the Trump administration regarding tariffs imposed on essential Apple products manufactured in China.
Warren wrote in a letter to Cook that she obtained, “The circumstances around Apple’s exemptions raise fresh concerns about influence-peddling by huge well-connected corporations, and their ability to gain special favors from President Trump.” wrote in a letter to Cook which was obtained by Bloomberg News.
Initially, President Donald Trump announced significant tariffs on items imported from China in early April, potentially reaching up to 145%. This could have had a major impact on Apple’s profit margins for iPhones, primarily made in China, or significantly raised prices. However, a few weeks later, the administration announced carve outs on various electronics types that benefited Apple.
Warren, a progressive Democratic party member who has been a vocal opponent of Trump, cited reports indicating that the Apple CEO had worked behind the scenes to influence the Trump administration’s decision to reduce tariffs.
There was no immediate response from Apple regarding Warren’s inquiries.
For quite some time, Cook has been commended by industry experts and investors for his ability to manage relations with the Trump administration to safeguard Apple’s interests, especially concerning tariffs. Trump’s aim to bring back jobs and relocate manufacturing to the US posed challenges for Apple, which has been dependent on China for years and produces the majority of its devices there.
“At best, your efforts to eliminate tariffs on Apple products, and President Trump’s subsequent decision to exempt certain Apple products, create the appearance of impropriety,” Warren wrote. She also raised concerns about the possibility of giant corporations utilizing their influence and money to secure tariff exemptions not available to smaller businesses.
In her letter, Warren sought information from Cook about the discussions with Trump officials regarding tariffs, the timing of these discussions, and when Apple was informed about the exemptions. She also mentioned Cook’s participation at Trump’s inauguration in January and a $1 million donation made by Cook to the inaugural committee, actions mirrored by other tech CEOs.
Warren suggested that the treatment was reminiscent of patterns seen during the previous tariff campaigns under Trump’s administration.
“During his first term, Donald Trump’s tariff policy became a feeding frenzy for big corporations to secure lucrative exemptions and special treatment,” Warren wrote, referencing prior tariff exclusions that benefited Apple products.
While Apple managed to avoid the threat of 145% tariffs and averted an immediate crisis in its supply chain, the Trump Administration has hinted at imposing new tariffs on electronics soon, which could affect Apple products.
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