The Trump administration plans to invite Apple CEO Tim Cook and CEOs of other companies like Nvidia, Qualcomm, Exxon and Boeing on a trip to China next week, reports Semafor.
Trump will reportedly focus on strengthening his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping during meetings on May 14-15. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue suggested that Trump invite CEOs. This will be the first US presidential visit to China since Trump’s visit in 2017.
Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to step down on September 1, 2026, and Apple hardware chief John Ternus will take over as CEO.
Cook will remain at Apple as executive chairman and “assist on aspects of the business, including engaging with policymakers around the world.” Cook recently said he plans to serve as executive chairman “for a long time” and that Apple will remain his top priority.
Two weeks ago, Trump said he had “always been a big fan” of Cook, and he bragged about the relationship Cook had established with him. “I was very impressed that the head of Apple called me ‘lick my ass,'” Trump said, speaking about his first term as president.
Cook worked under two Trump presidencies and worked to maintain positive relationships to benefit Apple. Cook donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund in 2025, and he marked Apple’s $600 billion U.S. investment commitment with a glass and 24-karat gold plaque he gave to Trump.
With Cook taking on an expanded role interfacing with Trump and other policymakers around the world, new CEO John Ternus will be able to focus more on Apple. Ternus also won’t be subject to the same criticism as Cook over his relationship with Trump.
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