Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Wednesday the chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Tim Cook in his discussions along with the Trump administration leading the president's backing on tariffs that cover the important apple products built in China.
“The events surrounding Apple's exceptions raised fresh concerns about the influence-peddling of massive connected corporations, and their ability to acquire special favors from President Trump,” Warrenwrite in a letterTo cook that Bloomberg News got.
In early April, President Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs on items imported from China that could reach as high as 145%. That can be noticeably cut into Apple's revenue margins on iPhones, mainly built in China, orsignificantly raised prices. But a few weeks later, the administrationannounced that carve outsIn some types of electronics that benefit the iPhone maker.
Warren, a progressive Democrat who became a Vociferous critic of Trump, cited news reports that Apple's CEO worked behind the scenes to influence the Trump administration to cut off the tariffs.
Apple did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
For years, Cook has been praised by industry and investors observers for his ability to navigate the Trump administration and protect his company's interests, including those associated with tariffs. Trump's promise to restore jobs to America and look for manufacturing in the US is particularly challenging for Apple, tied to China For years and has made most of its devices there.
“At best, your task to eliminate tariffs on Apple products, and President Trump's subsequent decision to release certain Apple products, creates the look inappropriate,” Warren wrote. “However, recent reporting has also raised serious questions about where it is possible for massive special interests of corporation to use their money and influence to secure tariff exceptions that are not available to small businesses on Main Street.”
In the letter, Warren asked Cook what was the nature of his discussions along with Trump officials related to tariffs, when discussions occurred and Apple learned about the exceptions. He also mentioned Cook's appearance on Trump's inauguration in January and a $ 1 million donation made at the inaugural committee, two moving glass by many other CEOs of technology.
The Massachusetts senator recommends that the treatment be repeated in a pattern set in Trump's first tariff campaigns.
“In his first term, Donald Trump's tariff policy has become a frenzy for large corporations to ensure beneficial exceptions and special treatment,” Warren wrote. He mentioned earlier tariff exclusion for iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac components.
While Apple does not have to bread for 145% tariffs and avoids an immediate crisis in its supply chain, the Trump administration haswarnedThis will impose new tariffs on electronics as soon as possible, likely to cover Apple products.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
