Gift or Bribe! Tim Cook Gives President Trump 24K Gold Plaque as Apple Pledges $600 Billion to US Investments

During a recent Oval Office event, Apple CEO Tim Cook presented President Donald Trump with a unique plaque. This gift, featuring a 24-karat gold base, was given just before Trump announced Apple's plan to invest an additional $100 billion in U.S. jobs and suppliers. This investment will increase Apple's total commitment to U.S. investments to $600 billion.

Trump praised Apple's efforts as "historic" and highlighted the company's plan to build the largest smart glass production line globally. The cover glass for iPhone and Apple Watch products will be sourced from a Corning facility in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Cook's gift to Trump was an inscribed piece of Apple-produced glass made in Kentucky, mounted on the gold base.

Apple's Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing

Trump invited Cook to demonstrate the product that would be manufactured in Kentucky. Cook revealed an artistic rendering of a silicon wafer, used in semiconductor production, mounted on the gold base. He noted that it was designed by a former U.S. Marine corporal now working at Apple.

The price of gold currently exceeds $3,300 per ounce, according to Reuters. This gesture comes after Trump faced criticism earlier this year for accepting a luxury jetliner from Qatar, which some viewed as a violation of constitutional rules against receiving gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval.

Tariffs and Exemptions

In addition to Apple's announcement, Trump introduced a significant chip tariff during the event. He declared a 100 percent tariff on all imported computer chips but promised exemptions for companies investing in U.S.-based manufacturing. Apple secured such an exemption.

Trump has consistently threatened tariffs on computer chips throughout his second term. While he claims these tariffs aim to boost domestic manufacturing, he hasn't specified whether only new factories qualify for exemptions or what level of investment is necessary to avoid tariffs.

Apple's Response

Cook had previously stated that Trump's tariffs could increase Apple's costs by $900 million. However, during the event, Cook expressed gratitude towards Trump for his support of American innovation and manufacturing. "We're a proud American company," Cook said while shaking hands with the president.

This collaboration between Apple and the U.S. government highlights both parties' commitment to enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and supporting economic growth through strategic investments and partnerships.