Navarro explodes at 'tariff' dodger Tim Cook, accuses him of 'lying' about US iPhone production
WASHINGTON, DC: White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro launched a stinging critique of Apple CEO Tim Cook on Wednesday, February 25, accusing the tech executive of "lying through his teeth" regarding the relocation of iPhone production to the United States.
Speaking on the latest episode of 'Pod Force One' with Miranda Devine, Navarro characterized Cook as "the king of evading tariffs."
Navarro claimed that Cook was allowed to "get away with it" during the first Trump administration because of promises to move production out of China, promises Navarro asserted were never fulfilled.
He further alleged that Cook was "doing it again" during the president's second term, describing the behavior as "par for the course."
Apple shifts manufacturing toward India
While Apple had faced pressure to bring manufacturing back to American soil, Navarro pointed out that the company had instead expanded its operations in India.
He expressed dissatisfaction with this move, stating that manufacturing in India was "not a whole lot better than being in China."
President Trump also faulted Cook for this shift, previously referring to the CEO as "Tim Apple" while criticizing the reliance on Indian labor.
The president threatened Apple with 25% tariffs last May if production did not return to the US.
However, experts suggested that the economic impact of such a move would be steep, with some estimates indicating a domestically manufactured iPhone could cost consumers as much as $3,500.
Tim Cook defends commitment to America
As part of our $600B commitment, Mac mini will be produced in the US for the first time later this year!
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 24, 2026
We're accelerating our progress even further— producing more AI servers and opening an all-new Apple Advanced Manufacturing Center for hands-on training. pic.twitter.com/NO5DeZvPwP
In response to the administration's pressure, Tim Cook released a statement on Tuesday reaffirming Apple's commitment to the future of American manufacturing.
He highlighted a significant expansion in Houston, where the company plans to start production of the Mac mini later this year.
Additionally, Cook noted that Apple had already begun shipping advanced AI servers from the Houston facility ahead of schedule.
Apple’s total investment commitment in the US grew to $600 billion over the past year. The company also pledged that by the end of 2026, every new "cover glass for iPhone and AppleWatch" will be manufactured at a facility in Kentucky.
Administration signals trade plan B
The Supreme Court recently dealt a blow to the administration’s trade agenda, ruling 6-3 that President Trump exceeded his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose certain duties.
However, Navarro told 'Pod Force One' that a "Plan B" was already in place to keep the regime intact.
He clarified that while IEEPA tariffs were struck down, other powers, such as Sections 232, 301, 122, and 338, remained available.
Navarro maintained that these trade barriers were working, citing $18 trillion in new investment pledged because of the tariffs.
He echoed President Trump’s sentiment that companies could avoid these costs simply by producing their goods within the United States.
Long-running Silicon Valley soap opera
Navarro frequently targeted Apple's production choices, recently dubbing the situation "the longest-running soap opera in Silicon Valley."
He expressed bewilderment at the company's continued reliance on foreign manufacturing despite the administration's clear incentives for domestic relocation.
Representatives for Apple did not respond to requests for comment regarding Navarro's latest accusations.
