Gold Gift From Apple CEO to Trump Ignites Accusations of Pandering

On August 6, Apple CEO Tim Cook sparked significant reactions after gifting President Donald Trump an ornate engraved glass piece, elegantly mounted on a 24-karat gold base, during a White House press event. This encounter unfolded in the Oval Office, where Cook offered a warm handshake, stating, "Congratulations, Mr. President!” He praised the gift as “a unique unit of one,” crafted by a former Marine Corps corporal now employed at Apple.During this event, Apple announced intentions to invest an impressive $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing, supplementing a prior commitment of $500 billion over four years, alongside generating 20,000 new jobs. However, the next day, tariffs imposed on over 90 countries, particularly affecting semiconductor manufacturers, raised concerns.While Cook's gesture prompted some negative feedback on social media, with many accusing him of undermining Steve Jobs’ legacy, others viewed it as a strategic maneuver to mitigate tariff risks amidst an impending iPhone 17 launch. (Photo: Wikipedia)