Senator Elizabeth Warren asks on Wednesday apple Tim Cook CEO in his discussions with the Trump administration before the president retreated on customs duties covering the decisive apple products built in China.
“The circumstances surrounding Apple exemptions raise new concerns about the influence of the huge connected companies, and their ability to acquire special preferences from President Trump,” Warren.He wrote in a letterTo cook obtained by Bloomberg News.
In early April, President Donald Trump announced a series of definitions on the elements imported from China, which could reach 145 %. This would either cut Apple profit margins on iPhone devices, which were mainly built in China, orThe prices raised greatly. But after two weeks, the administrationDeclared the sculptureOn several types of electronics that have benefited from the iPhone maker.
Warren, a progressive democratic who was a noisy critic of Trump, indicated news reports that Apple CEO worked behind the scenes to influence the Trump administration to reduce the tariffs.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
For years, Cook was praised by industry and investors monitors for his ability to move in the Trump administration and protect the interests of his company, including those related to definitions. Trump’s pledge to return jobs to America and re -conduct manufacturing to the United States was a particular challenge for Apple, That was linked to China For years, the vast majority of its devices are produced there.
“At best, your work to eliminate the customs tariffs on Apple products, and the subsequent President Trump’s decision to exempt some Apple products create a manifestation of non -behavior,” Warren wrote. “However, recent reports also raise serious questions about the extent in which their own money can be used and their money to secure customs tariff exemptions that do not have major small companies in the streets.”
In the letter, Warren Cook asks about the nature of his discussions with Trump officials related to definitions, when discussions occurred and when Apple discovered the exemptions. It also mentioned the appearance of Cook at the opening of Trump in January and a $ 1 million donation of a donation to the opening committee, which are two movements that are reflected by many other technological executives.
Senator in Massachusetts has suggested that the treatment had repeated a pattern that was identified during the first Trump’s first -term campaigns.
“During his first term, Donald Trump’s tariff policy has become a madness for feeding for major companies to secure profitable exemptions and special treatment,” Warren wrote. Excluded with the exceptions of the previous tariffs of iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac components.
While Apple no longer needs to be prepared by 145 % of customs tariffs and avoided an immediate crisis in its supply chain, the Trump administration has itto cautionIt will impose a new tariff on electronics soon, most likely covering Apple products.
This story was originally shown on Fortune.com
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