Trump: Cook has surpassed Jobs, otherwise Apple wouldn't be so successful
Former US President Donald Trump stated in the "PBD Podcast" that Apple's current CEO Tim Cook's management abilities surpass those of the founder Steve Jobs. He believes that Apple would not have achieved its current success if Jobs were in charge. Trump emphasized that Cook maintained close contact with him during his tenure and mentioned that Cook had communicated with him about the EU's fine on Apple. Trump also mentioned that if he were elected, he would not allow the EU to take advantage of American companies
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Thursday local time that Apple needs a CEO like Tim Cook to ensure the company's current success, rather than its founder Steve Jobs.
Trump said on the "PBD Podcast": "I believe that if Cook didn't run Apple, but Jobs did, Apple wouldn't be as successful as it is today." Trump also said: "I think that because Cook has done a great job. Of course, I'm not criticizing Jobs. But if he managed it, Apple wouldn't be in the situation it is today."
As a Republican presidential candidate, Trump's remarks also seem to highlight the close relationship between Cook and Trump during his tenure. According to Trump, during his presidency, Cook often called him to discuss business matters.
In addition, Cook is also a member of the Trump administration's Labor Policy Advisory Committee and has hosted Trump at Apple's campus in Austin, Texas. In 2019, Cook also gave the then-President Trump the first batch of Mac Pros produced in his new U.S. factory.
In June of this year, Trump said in a media interview that he found Cook to be "a very outstanding businessman." As early as August 2019, Trump told reporters, "Cook calls me directly. That's why he's a great executive, because he calls me, and others don't."
In the latest podcast, Trump also said that Cook had called to discuss the issue of the EU imposing billions of dollars in fines on Apple. He said: "Two hours ago, three hours ago, he called me." Trump also added that if he wins the November election, he will not allow the EU to take advantage of American companies.
Last month, a judge in the EU ruled that Apple must repay nearly $15 billion in unpaid taxes. In March of this year, the EU also fined Apple nearly $2 billion for preventing Spotify and other music streaming services from informing users of payment options other than the Apple App Store.
Trump told Cook, "This is too much! But Tim (Cook), I have to win first, I won't let them take advantage of our company. You know, that's not going to happen."