Apple CEO chef urged Senator Warren to disclose Trump’s customs talks
Senator Elizabeth Warren asked Wednesday apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook is discussing debates with the Trump administration ahead of the president’s resignation over tariffs covering key apple products built in China.
“The situation surrounding Apple’s exemptions raises new concerns about the impact of a vast number of connected companies and the ability to benefit from President Trump,” Warren said.I wrote it in a letterFor dishes obtained by Bloomberg News.
In early April, President Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs on items imported from China, which could reach 145%. It was dramatically reduced to Apple’s profit margin on iPhones, mainly built in China, orIt has risen significantly. But a few weeks later, the governmentCarve out announcedAbout several types of electronic devices that benefit iPhone manufacturers.
Warren, a progressive Democrat who was a vocal critic of Trump, cited a news report that Apple’s CEO worked behind the scenes to influence the Trump administration and cut tariffs.
Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
For many years, Cook has been praised by industry watchers and investors for his ability to navigate the Trump administration and protect the company’s interests, including those related to tariffs. Trump’s pledge to take his work back to America and relocate manufacturing to the US was particularly challenging for Apple. It is linked to China For years, they have produced most of the devices there.
“Your job to eliminate tariffs on Apple products, and your subsequent decision to exempt certain Apple products, creates the emergence of fraud,” writes Warren. “However, recent reports raise serious questions about the extent to which special benefits from large corporations can use money and influence to ensure tariff exemptions that are not available to small and medium-sized businesses on Main Street.”
In the letter, Warren asks Cook that the nature of his argument was with Trump officials related to tariffs when the argument took place, and when Apple learned about the exemption. She also mentions Cook’s appearance at Trump’s inauguration in January, two moves reflected by several other tech CEOs, as well as the $1 million donation made to the first committee.
The Massachusetts Senator suggested that treatments repeated pattern sets during Trump’s first term tariff campaign.
“During his first term, Donald Trump’s tariff policies became a feeding frenzy for large corporations to ensure favorable exemptions and special treatment,” Warren wrote. She cited previous tariff exclusions for iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac components.
Apple no longer needs to support 145% tariffs and avoided an immediate supply chain crisis, but the Trump administration hasI warnedIt will soon impose new tariffs on electronics and will likely cover Apple products.
This story was originally introduced Fortune.com