President Donald Trump on Thursday called out Apple CEO Tim Cook over the tech giant’s growing investments in India, warning that Apple’s offshoring strategy undermines America’s interests — despite a previously celebrated $500 billion commitment to the U.S. economy.
“I said to him, ‘Tim, look, we treated you really good… but now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India,’” Trump declared during a trade briefing, revealing tense behind-the-scenes discussions with one of America’s most iconic companies.
The president’s comments come as Apple ramps up plans to shift as much as 25% of global iPhone production to India — a move seen as both a hedge against geopolitical tensions with China and a response to rising manufacturing costs in the Far East.
Trump, who previously hailed Apple’s contributions to the U.S. economy, is now questioning the tech behemoth’s loyalty. He said India “can take care of themselves” and reiterated that U.S. soil should be the exclusive ground for Apple’s future factories.
“We want you to build here,” Trump insisted. “You’re coming here with $500 billion — that’s great — but not while you’re building a whole empire in India.”
His remarks raise new questions about the administration’s position on global tech supply chains, as well as whether companies like Apple will now face political pressure for decisions made far outside American borders.
Tariffs, Trade, and Tim Cook
The clash occurs against a backdrop of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and India. Trump described India as “one of the highest tariff nations in the world,” while noting that the country has now offered a deal to drop tariffs to zero on some U.S. goods — an unprecedented concession that may be linked to Trump’s ongoing tariff threats, including a 26% reciprocal tariff set to take effect in July.
Apple’s main manufacturing partner, Foxconn, was recently approved to open a semiconductor plant in India in a joint venture with HCL Group — a move seen by analysts as part of a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on China.
But industry experts warn that shifting production to the U.S., as Trump demands, could drastically inflate the cost of devices like the iPhone. Current estimates suggest American-made iPhones could cost consumers between $1,500 and $3,500 each.
Domestic vs. Global Realities
While Trump claimed Apple would soon “up” its U.S. production, he offered no details. Currently, Apple only manufactures limited products — such as the Mac Pro and select servers for its AI systems — on U.S. soil.
Trump’s sharp pivot from praise to pressure on Apple reflects broader tensions in his “America First” industrial policy. With re-election politics heating up, some see his comments as a signal to voters that he remains tough on companies that prioritize foreign expansion over American jobs — even when they’re among the nation’s biggest contributors.
Yet, critics argue the stance could backfire. “Trump risks scaring off long-term investments from tech giants who rely on complex global supply chains,” said tech policy analyst Maria Evans. “Apple alone can’t rebuild American manufacturing.”
As the president doubles down on economic nationalism, Apple may soon find itself navigating not just trade wars — but political landmines at home.
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