Apple CEO Tim Cook achieved what many corporate leaders may have not: He has been able to create a personal relationship with President-elect Donald Trump through carefully planned dinners and meetings, a report has said, adding that other business leaders, including tech CEOs may follow Cook’s playbook.
Citing sources familiar with their interactions, The Wall Street Journal reports that During Trump’s first term, Cook directly engaged, often bypassing traditional channels to interact with the President-elect personally through phone calls and meals.

One key strategy Cook employed was focusing on a single data point during meetings with Trump which meant that discussions remained on track and avoided unnecessary talks. For example, in 2017, while Trump was working on a tax-cut plan, Cook highlighted how Apple would increase US investments if allowed to repatriate $250 billion in overseas cash at a reduced tax rate.
In another case, which may be called as Cook’s most significant win, in 2019 when Apple faced a potential 10% tariff on Chinese imports, where most of its devices are manufactured, Cook personally connected with Trump. He explained how tariffs would raise iPhone prices and benefit competitors like Samsung.
Soon after, the Trump administration scaled back its tariff plan, exempting electronics like the iPhone. In turn, Apple reversed its decision to move Mac Pro production to China, keeping the operation in Austin, Texas..

Trump has publicly praised Cook for his hands-on approach, calling him “a great executive” for directly engaging. “That’s why he’s a great executive, because he calls me and others don’t,” Trump said in 2019.
Even before Trump’s recent re-election, Cook resumed outreach. In October, Trump mentioned on a podcast that Cook had called to discuss Apple’s legal troubles in Europe, where the company faces massive fines for violating competition laws.
Following Trump’s 2024 election victory, Cook congratulated him and signaled that their relationship would continue.
“We look forward to engaging with you and your administration,” Cook wrote on social media. Reports also suggested that Google CEO Sundar Pichai also called Trump to congratulate him. Google is currently shrouded by antitrust cases for its alleged monopolistic practices in Search and advertising businesses.