Trump praises Cook as he steps down from Apple, says 'always been a big fan'
WASHINGTON, DC: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, April 21, lauded Tim Cook following the announcement that he will step down as CEO of Apple after 15 years at the helm.
“I have always been a big fan of Tim Cook,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that while Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was a visionary, the company’s performance under Cook had surpassed expectations.
“If Steve was not taken from Planet Earth so young… the company would have done well, but nowhere near as well as it has under Tim,” he said.
Trump reflects on personal relationship
Trump also reflected on his personal interactions with Cook, recounting an early phone call during his first term in office.
He described being “very impressed” to receive a call from Apple’s chief executive, characterizing it in blunt terms as an attempt to build rapport that eventually led to a “long and very nice” relationship.
“During my five years as President, Tim would call me, but never too much, and I would help him where I could,” Trump said, adding that over time he came to view Cook as “an amazing manager and leader.”
Despite past disagreements, Trump struck a wholly positive tone in his latest remarks, describing Cook as “an incredible guy” with a career that is “almost incomparable.”
“Tim Cook had an AMAZING career,” Trump wrote, expressing confidence that the outgoing CEO would continue to contribute significantly to Apple and beyond.
The transition marks the end of a defining era for Apple, with Cook leaving behind a legacy of stability, growth and global expansion.
Tim Cook’s transition at Apple
Apple announced that Cook will step down as CEO later this year and transition to the role of executive chair of the board.
John Ternus, currently senior vice president of hardware engineering, is set to take over as CEO in September, marking a significant leadership shift at one of the world’s most valuable companies.
Cook assumed leadership of Apple in 2011 after Steve Jobs resigned amid a battle with cancer.
During his tenure, Apple expanded its product ecosystem and grew into a global technology powerhouse, achieving a market capitalization of $4 trillion last year, an unprecedented milestone in corporate history.
In a statement, Cook expressed deep gratitude for his time at the company.
“I love Apple with all of my being,” he said, praising the company’s workforce for its innovation and dedication to improving customers’ lives through technology.
He highlighted the collective effort behind Apple’s success, crediting employees for creating “the best products and services in the world.”
