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Trump states that Apple CEO Tim Cook contacted him to express concerns about EU penalties.
During a recent press briefing, former President Donald Trump revealed that he had received a personal call from Apple CEO Tim Cook. According to Trump, Cook reached out to discuss the company's concerns about the European Union's increasing scrutiny and the hefty penalties Apple might face under new regulations.
Trump, known for his close ties to business leaders during his time in office, seemed keen to highlight the conversation, suggesting that Cook's outreach was a testament to the strength of their professional relationship. He explained that Cook's concerns were centered on the EU's latest push to implement stricter regulations and fines against American tech giants, a move that has already placed companies like Apple under significant pressure.
"Tim called me, and he’s very worried about what's happening in Europe," Trump stated. "These penalties they’re imposing on Apple and other great American companies are completely out of line. Tim told me that it's getting tougher to operate under those conditions, and he’s not happy about it."
As Trump detailed the conversation, he mentioned how Cook had expressed frustration with the European Union's increasingly aggressive approach towards large tech companies. In recent years, the EU has stepped up its enforcement of antitrust laws and data privacy regulations, leading to substantial fines and restrictions on companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, and others. Cook reportedly emphasized that such penalties could hurt innovation and competitiveness, not just for Apple but for the broader tech industry.
Trump went on to say that he assured Cook of his support and reminded him of the steps he took while in office to defend American businesses against what he saw as unfair treatment from foreign regulators. "I told Tim that I always fought for our companies," Trump continued. "When I was in the White House, I made sure we stood up to these unfair tactics. We can't let the EU or any other group hold our businesses hostage."
According to Trump, Cook was particularly concerned about the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA), two pieces of legislation recently introduced by the EU. These laws are designed to curb the power of large tech companies, requiring them to change their business practices in ways that could make it more difficult to maintain their market dominance. For Apple, this could mean altering its App Store policies, potentially opening its platform to more competition, and facing significant financial penalties if the company fails to comply.
"Tim feels like they're targeting Apple just because they’re successful," Trump said. "And I understand that—it’s not fair to punish a company just because they’ve done well and created great products."
Trump also used the occasion to criticize the European Union, accusing it of trying to undermine the success of American businesses. He suggested that the EU's actions were motivated by a desire to boost European companies that have struggled to compete with American tech giants. "They can’t compete with us, so they come up with these ridiculous fines and penalties to drag us down," Trump asserted. "It's a disgrace."
The former president hinted that if he were still in office, he would take a tougher stance against the EU's regulations and protect companies like Apple from what he described as "unfair attacks." He also suggested that future U.S. administrations should prioritize defending American businesses from international regulatory overreach, hinting at potential trade measures or negotiations to counter the EU's actions.
While Apple has not officially commented on the conversation between Cook and Trump, the company has long voiced its concerns about the regulatory challenges it faces in Europe. Tim Cook has previously spoken out against what he views as excessive government intervention that could stifle innovation and hinder the growth of the tech industry.
As Trump wrapped up his remarks, he reiterated his belief in the importance of standing by American companies and ensuring that they have the support they need to continue leading the world in technology and innovation. "We need to protect our businesses and our people," he concluded. "Apple is a great American success story, and we’re not going to let anyone, not even the EU, take that away."
The conversation between Trump and Cook highlights the ongoing tension between U.S. tech companies and European regulators, as the EU continues to pursue a more assertive approach in holding these corporations accountable. For Apple, this struggle represents just one of many challenges in its efforts to navigate an increasingly complex global regulatory environment.
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