Overview

• Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook demanding transparency about his communications with the Trump administration on tariff exemptions for Apple products.
• The inquiry raises concerns about potential influence-peddling, citing Cook’s $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration fund and his behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts.
• In early April 2025, the Trump administration announced exemptions for smartphones, laptops, and other electronics, shielding Apple from tariffs that could have reached 145%.
• Apple reportedly expedited shipments of iPhones to the U.S. to avoid impending tariffs before the exemptions were announced.
• The Trump administration is expected to unveil a broader tariff strategy targeting tech imports in the next one to two months, potentially impacting Apple again.