President Trump wants to show off the leadership he has behind him on a trip to China, where he will discuss trade with President Xi Jinping. Rumor has it that Tim Cook, still CEO, will be among the guests.
If there is one well-understood policy of the Trump administration, it is to show up when requested. One of the rare times Apple CEO Tim Cook didn’t show up resulted in a special pricing deal for iPhones in May 2025.
It’s time for Cook to get back on the phone, as President Trump travels to China to talk trade with President Xi Jinping. The discussions will likely mean little to Apple, according to a report from Semaforbut Trump likes to be surrounded by powerful individuals on such trips.
These types of in-person events could increase for Cook as he steps down as CEO on September 1. He will be its executive chairman and will also act as a sort of political liaison.
It’s a role Cook likely chose for himself, as he has borne most of the political scandal that has arisen since Trump took office in both cases. It’s Cook’s name on the million-dollar donation to the inauguration, the gold plaque in Trump’s office and the booking of every event after all.
And apparently, Trump took the bait. Apple has not changed anything in the way the company operates despite immense pressure from the administration to do so.
For example, Apple just announced its latest Pride Band for Apple Watch, even as other companies distance themselves from progressive initiatives.
These interactions also meant that Apple didn’t have to pay as much as it could have in the face of illegal and seemingly random tariffs. It also saved Apple from having to do the impossible and bring all iPhone production back to the United States.
Cook is also known for his diplomatic trips to China, so the latest invitation will likely be just another day’s work. Time will tell whether new CEO John Ternus will have to act the same way or whether Cook will be able to remove him from this responsibility.