Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump recently shared that he received a phone call from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who expressed concerns about the hefty financial penalties imposed on the tech giant by the European Union. This revelation came during a conversation Trump had with podcaster Patrick Bet-David, which was released on Thursday. 

According to Trump, Cook contacted him regarding the financial challenges Apple faces due to EU regulatory actions. "Two hours ago, three hours ago, he (Cook) called me," Trump said during the interview. He further explained the details of the conversation, stating, "He said the European Union has just fined us $15 billion. … Then on top of that, they got fined by the European Union another $2 billion." This reference points to the mounting pressure on Apple and other Big Tech companies from European regulators. 

 

The European Union has been increasing its scrutiny of large tech corporations, investigating their practices and imposing significant penalties in order to promote fair competition. Last month, Apple lost a court case with the EU, forcing the company to pay 13 billion euros (approximately $14.08 billion) in back taxes to Ireland. The case was part of a broader initiative by the EU to rein in tech companies and ensure smaller competitors can thrive in the market. Additionally, earlier this year, Apple was fined $2 billion by the EU for antitrust violations. This fine stemmed from accusations that Apple restricted competition in the music streaming industry by enforcing certain rules on its App Store.

 

Trump, recounting his conversation with Cook, implied that resolving these issues would require him to win the upcoming election. “Tim, I got to get elected first. … But I’m not going to let them take advantage of our companies. That won’t be happening,” Trump quoted himself as saying to the Apple CEO. The nearly 90-minute podcast featured Trump discussing various topics, but his remarks about Cook’s concerns highlighted the ongoing tensions between U.S. tech giants and European regulators.

 

Apple has yet to confirm the authenticity of the phone call between Cook and Trump, and no statement has been released by the company in response to the matter. However, the growing focus on Big Tech by the EU continues to shape the landscape of international business and politics, with Apple being one of the key players affected by these regulatory measures.

 

Based on a report from Reuters 2024-10-19

 

 

 

good F tim cook and Apple 

The only account we have of this call comes from Trump.

 

So odds on it’s a lie.

Tim Cook is worried about the competion to the apple watch  now Trump is selling his own brand of diamond encrusted timepieces. 

Anyone who believe this ever happened, I got a bridge to sell. 

apple 'sponsor' both candidates to ensure a good result for them after election

This is difficult. Who do I dislike more, Tim Cook or Europe?

3 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The only account we have of this call comes from Trump.

 

So odds on it’s a lie.

of course it is, but when a unverified story from anonymous source is written about Trump you take it as gospel !

Apple bitching they had to pay Tax.... poor Apple

2 hours ago, frank83628 said:

of course it is, but when a unverified story from anonymous source is written about Trump you take it as gospel !

Feel free to post examples of me doing so.

9 hours ago, John Drake said:

This is difficult. Who do I dislike more, Tim Cook or Europe?

Dislike Europe? Why anyone would dislike a continent is beyond me.

It's going to be great seeing Trump Musk Cook et al taking on the liberal muppets in the EU and the liberal muppets in the Labour Party.

 

Roll on November.

13 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

Anyone who believe this ever happened, I got a bridge to sell. 

Sorry Eric.

 

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1161

 

The European Commission has fined Apple over €1.8 billion for abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of music streaming apps to iPhone and iPad users (‘iOS users') through its App Store. In particular, the Commission found that Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app (‘anti-steering provisions'). This is illegal under EU antitrust rules.

 

But I really don't want a bridge.

 

 

11 hours ago, billd766 said:

Sorry Eric.

 

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1161

 

The European Commission has fined Apple over €1.8 billion for abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of music streaming apps to iPhone and iPad users (‘iOS users') through its App Store. In particular, the Commission found that Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app (‘anti-steering provisions'). This is illegal under EU antitrust rules.

 

But I really don't want a bridge.

 

 

I would presume Eric referred to the phone call. The fine is common knowledge.