Apple CEO Tim Cook meets with Trump as tariffs loom
President Donald Trump told reporters he met with Apple CEO Tim Cook at the White House today, though it was not immediately clear what the pair discussed.
Cook's visit comes as Trump is threatening to impose tariffs on roughly $300 billion worth of goods imported from China, including Apple's flagship iPhone. The U.S. trade representative is currently in the process of determining what products will be spared.
Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and senior adviser, praised Cook during a separate White House gathering today for his participation in the administration's workforce development initiatives, saying “he’s been a real force on both the advisory board and in his commitment to lifelong learning generally."
Cook has emerged as Apple's highest profile and most effective lobbyist since Trump took office. The soft-spoken CEO has been willing to engage directly and publicly with Trump and his top advisers in a fashion that other tech leaders have largely sought to avoid.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai was also spotted waiting to enter the White House Wednesday, according to POLITICO Playbook. He previously met with Trump in late March amid criticism that his company was pulling away from Defense Department contracts while pursuing research projects with China.
Andrew Restuccia contributed to this report.
Article originally published on POLITICO Magazine