Trump Hurts Apple’s Business Model?
(Washington, D.C.) — Apple CEO Tim Cook has acknowledged that President Donald Trump’s bold new China tariffs could hit the tech giant’s bottom line—hard. Speaking during a Thursday earnings call, Cook said the cost of doing business under the new America First trade policy may rise significantly in the months ahead.
Cook explained, “Based on current tariff structures, we expect an additional $900 million in costs this quarter alone.”
President Trump recently imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, signaling a no-nonsense crackdown on Beijing’s decades-long abuse of U.S. trade policy. While Apple’s core products—like iPhones and MacBooks—received partial exemptions, Cook warned of unpredictable changes that could shift the cost burden.
“We’re working with many unknowns,” Cook said, noting that Apple is bracing for volatility through June.
Conservatives have largely welcomed Trump’s aggressive stance, calling it a necessary step to bring manufacturing jobs back to American soil and reduce dangerous reliance on the Chinese Communist Party.
Meanwhile, Democrats and globalist critics claim the tariffs are selectively applied—benefiting some industries while raising costs in others. But President Trump pushed back hard this week, making it clear that no company will be given special treatment.
“These products still fall under the 20% Fentanyl Tariff and are simply shifting to a different tariff category,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Next, we’re targeting semiconductors and the ENTIRE electronics supply chain as part of our National Security Tariff Investigations.”
Despite the looming cost increases, Cook projected calm and confidence, emphasizing Apple’s resilience.
“We’ll continue running this company with a long-term vision, focused on innovation and American leadership,” he said.
Cook, who was seen seated near Trump during the 2024 Inauguration, has made several appearances alongside the president—highlighting a growing relationship between Silicon Valley and the Trump administration.
While Apple may face temporary price hikes, the administration’s message is clear: America comes first.
