Trump Issues Tariff Threats to Apple

On Friday, President Trump announced potential tariff threats directed at Apple, urging device manufacturers, including Samsung and other smartphone producers, to shift their manufacturing operations to the United States.

In response to a question in the Oval Office about his authority to impose tariffs on a single company, Trump suggested the possibility of broader actions, stating, “it could be more of it” than just Apple.

He remarked to reporters, “Some people make Samsung and its products. Otherwise, it’s not fair,” after signing an executive order related to the tariffs.

According to Trump, the tariffs will take effect at the end of June.

In recent weeks, Trump has been pushing to facilitate Apple’s manufacturing move to India, following discussions with Apple CEO Tim Cook. Just before his appearance in the Oval Office, Trump mentioned on social media, “I was called a chef,” in the context of wanting iPhones manufactured domestically.

Trump stated, “If not, at least 25% of the tariffs must be paid by Apple to the US,” expressing a strong stance on the matter.

Apple has been making various products in China, particularly during the trade tensions with Beijing. The company announced earlier this year that it plans to invest over $500 billion in the US, creating more than 20,000 jobs in the coming years.

Trump reiterated that if Apple establishes production facilities in the US, there would be no tariffs, encouraging them to set up plants domestically. “But I knew Tim wouldn’t be doing this. He said he would go to India to build the plants, and that’s what it is,” he added.

Demonstrating confidence, Trump believes that Apple can produce devices at a price that would benefit American consumers and supports the company’s investment strategy. “If they’re trying to sell iPhones in the US, I want them built here,” he concluded.