President Trump’s recent public feud with Apple CEO Tim Cook—alongside a cooled relationship with Elon Musk—could have major consequences for American consumers and global tech markets.
Trump lashes out at Apple CEO Tim Cook over iphone production shift to India
During a trip to the Middle East, Trump openly criticized Tim Cook for Apple’s growing presence in India.
He said he was “disappointed” Apple was expanding overseas rather than investing further in U.S. manufacturing.
Trump later praised Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang for attending the trip, remarking, “Tim Cook isn’t here, but you are.”
Sources claim Cook had declined an invitation to join Trump’s overseas visit, sparking further tension.
President threatens 25% iphone tariff on all Apple products not built in America
Trump warned of a 25% tariff on all iPhones and Apple products not built in the U.S.
He announced on Truth Social that Apple must shift production to avoid penalties.
‘I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,’ he wrote.
‘If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank your for your attention to this matter!’
‘If they’re going to sell it in America, I want it to be built in the United States,’ Mr. Trump said on Friday. ‘They’re able to do that.’
The tariff would begin by the end of June and affect other brands like Samsung.
Markets responded with a sharp sell-off, wiping \$640 billion from Apple’s valuation.
Apple’s long history with trump now faces collapse as tech friendship unravels
Once dubbed tech’s “Trump whisperer,” Tim Cook had built a productive relationship with the president.
Trump previously praised Cook for calling him directly when other CEOs remained silent.
Apple had pledged \$500 billion in U.S. investments and began sourcing chips domestically.
Despite this, the bulk of Apple manufacturing still happens in China and India.
IPhone prices could double if Apple moves production to the US
Experts warn the cost of U.S.-built iPhones could skyrocket.
Bank of America says the iPhone 16 Pro Max could jump from \$1,199 to $2,300.
Wedbush predicts prices as high as $3,500 per unit due to labor and supply issues.
U.S. labor costs could hit $200 per phone—compared to just $40 in China.
Apple has already flown 1.5 million Indian-made iPhones to the U.S. to prepare. Additionally, Trump’s relationship with Elon Musk fizzles amid tariff debate and political distance
Trump and Elon Musk were once close, but cracks have emerged.
Musk publicly criticized Trump’s tariff agenda, calling for “zero tariffs” with allied nations.
He personally lost billions after the tariff news triggered a market crash.
Musk later said he would step back from political spending and campaign activity.
Trump has since gone silent on Musk in Truth Social posts, signaling growing distance.
Trump’s iPhone tariff threat could shake global tech and hit consumers
If the tariffs go into effect, consumers could face dramatically higher iPhone prices.
Apple would need years to shift its supply chain to U.S. soil.
Analysts warn that a full production move could raise costs and slow innovation.
Additionally, Higher U.S. labor costs—about $200 per unit versus $40 in China—and a shortage of skilled workers for specialized manufacturing are at the root of the challenges.
Trump’s fallout with Tim Cook and Elon Musk shows a growing rift between politics and Big Tech.
The next few months could determine whether Apple reshapes its future—or passes the cost to consumers.