Donald Trump sparked widespread attention with an unusual post on Truth Social, where he recounted an early interaction with Tim Cook, claiming that the Apple chief once called him during his first presidential term to “kiss my a**.” Despite the striking phrasing, Trump used the anecdote to highlight what he described as the beginning of a productive and respectful working relationship between the two.
In the same post, Trump praised Cook as “an incredible guy” and credited him with transforming Apple Inc. into one of the most successful companies in the world. He also referenced Steve Jobs, suggesting that while Jobs was a visionary leader, Apple’s performance under Cook surpassed expectations and reached levels that may not have been achieved otherwise.
Trump described the initial phone call as relating to a “fairly large problem” that required federal intervention, adding that Cook chose to approach him directly instead of relying on consultants. According to Trump, this direct communication allowed the issue to be resolved “quickly and effectively,” avoiding what he characterised as unnecessary delays and costs often associated with advisory firms. He said this interaction laid the foundation for a long-standing and cordial relationship, with Cook occasionally reaching out during his presidency, though not excessively.
Reflecting on multiple interactions over time, Trump stated that his impression of Cook strengthened after several instances where the Apple CEO sought assistance and achieved results efficiently. He portrayed Cook as a decisive and capable leader who prioritised outcomes and avoided bureaucratic complexity, contrasting him with others who depend heavily on consultants without guaranteed success.
The remarks come as Cook prepares to step down as CEO after 15 years in the role, with John Ternus set to take over leadership responsibilities while Cook transitions to the position of executive chairman. Trump expressed confidence that Cook would continue to contribute significantly to Apple even after stepping aside from day-to-day operations.
The relationship between Trump and Cook has often been described as pragmatic and strategically managed. During Trump’s presidency, Cook maintained direct access to the administration and engaged on issues affecting Apple’s business, including trade policies and tariffs. At the same time, he did not hesitate to publicly disagree with the administration on matters such as climate policy, immigration, and user privacy, reflecting a balance between cooperation and independence.
Overall, Trump’s post combined an unconventional anecdote with strong praise, portraying Cook as a highly effective corporate leader while underscoring a working relationship that was both direct and results-driven.
