President Donald Trump is doubling down on his plans to restore America to greatness, even if it means threatening Apple.
Specifically, the president has demanded that the tech giant bring iPhone manufacturing back to the United States or face stiff tariffs.
President Trump threatened a staggering tariff on iPhones not made in America, which sent Apple’s stock tumbling.
Now, the iPhone maker faces a critical decision that could impact millions of American consumers.
President Trump delivered the ultimatum to Apple CEO Tim Cook via his Truth Social platform:
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else. If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”
The firm statement leaves little room for negotiation as the president pushes to restore American manufacturing jobs.
President Trump’s latest move aligns perfectly with his campaign promises to rebuild American manufacturing and end reliance on foreign production.
Currently, over half of iPhones for the U.S. market are manufactured in India, and Apple is quickly expanding its operations there.
This offshore manufacturing trend has cost countless American jobs while benefiting foreign economies instead.
President Trump and Cook recently met at the White House to discuss manufacturing concerns.
🚨TRUMP TO APPLE: Build iPhones in the U.S. or Face 25% Tariff. pic.twitter.com/qvuizcaURp
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) May 23, 2025
During that meeting, Apple committed to investing $500 billion in U.S. development, including AI server production in Houston, Texas.
However, the president made it clear that this commitment does not exempt the tech giant from bringing the manufacturing of its flagship product back to American soil.
“I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday. I said to him, ‘Tim, you’re my friend. I treated you very good. You’re coming in with $500 billion.’ But now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India,” the president stated.
Analysts have argued that manufacturing iPhones in America would increase prices dramatically, possibly up to $3,500 per unit.
The tariff would apply equally to other smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, creating a level playing field that incentivizes all companies to invest in American workers.
Apple’s stock fell 2.6% following President Trump’s announcement. The company already expects $900 million in additional tariff costs for the current quarter under existing policies.
“I had an understanding with Tim that he wouldn’t be doing this. He said he’s going to India to build plants. I said that’s okay to go to India, but you’re not going to sell into here without tariffs. And that’s the way it is,” President Trump remarked.
The president also recommended a 50% tariff on European Union products starting June 1, 2025, after trade negotiations stalled.
“Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States,” he stated.
