According to Trump, Cook was worried about the $17-18 billion fine imposed by the EU for breaching tax rules and music streaming regulations. This fine was a result of the EU’s highest court upholding the accusation that Ireland gave Apple illegal tax advantages.
It’s worth noting that Apple and other tech giants have been critical of the EU’s approach to regulating their platforms, citing “regulatory uncertainty”. The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act aim to rein in powerful tech companies, provide more choice for consumers, and protect users from harmful content. However, companies like Apple and Meta have expressed concerns that these regulations could compromise user privacy and data security.
Trump also stated that he told Cook he would not let the EU “take advantage of our companies,” but he needed to “get elected first”. This comes as Trump is trying to woo prominent tech figures, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, for his presidential campaign.