In a recent podcast, Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump shared details about a call he had with Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding hefty fines imposed by the European Union. Speaking during a podcast with Patrick Bet-David, Trump revealed that Cook expressed concern over the impact of these fines on the company’s operations.
Trump says Apple CEO reached out to him regarding EU fines
The conversation reportedly took place just hours before Trump’s podcast appearance. He stated that Cook informed him about a recent EU fine of $15 billion against Apple, along with another $2 billion penalty, Reuters reported. Trump said, “He called me, saying the European Union has just fined us $15 billion. Then on top of that, they got fined another $2 billion.”
The European Union has intensified its scrutiny of large technology companies like Apple in recent years. The aim is to reduce monopolistic practices and create fair competition for smaller businesses. These investigations have led to significant financial penalties against several major players in the tech industry.
Last month, Apple faced a significant setback when it lost a lengthy court battle with the EU. The verdict required Apple to pay 13 billion euros ($14.08 billion) back taxes to Ireland. This decision is part of the EU’s wider strategy to clamp down on what it views as unfair advantages global tech firms enjoy.
Trump’s Response to Tim Cook’s Concerns
During his podcast appearance, Trump mentioned that he reassured Cook about his commitment to defending American businesses. He said he told Cook, “Tim, I got to get elected first. But I’m not going to let them take advantage of our companies. That won’t be happening.”
The remarks highlight Trump’s ongoing criticism of the EU’s regulatory actions against American companies. He has consistently argued that these measures unfairly target U.S. businesses to benefit European competitors.
The issue between Apple and the European Union is part of a broader dispute that involves several tech companies. The EU’s approach has raised questions about the balance between regulation and innovation in the digital economy. While Apple has not commented on the authenticity of the call, Trump’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the ongoing battle between Big Tech and European regulators.