Trump Warns Apple: iPhones Sold in the US Must Be Made Locally or Face 25% Tariff

Washington, DC: In a bold statement, US President Donald Trump reiterated his stance on promoting domestic manufacturing, specifically targeting Apple and its iPhone production practices. Speaking to the media on Friday, Trump emphasized that iPhones sold in the United States should be manufactured within the country, or Apple would face a hefty 25% tariff.

Trump's remarks came during a series of executive orders, which also included directives related to the advancement of nuclear energy. While discussing his trade policy and the future of iPhone production, the President addressed the media, saying, "It would be more, it would also be Samsung and anybody that makes that product, otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair. So anybody that makes that product," signaling that his policy wouldn't just apply to Apple but to other foreign manufacturers as well.

Trump made it clear that if manufacturing plants are based in the United States, no tariffs would be imposed. He pointed out that as long as companies like Apple build their products on American soil, they would be free from such tariffs. "When they build their plant here, there’s no tariff," Trump explained. However, he added, "He (Tim Cook) 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."

The President expressed confidence that the level of automation in modern production lines, particularly in the tech sector, would prevent significant price hikes for American consumers. "A lot of it’s so computerized now. These plants are amazing, but they can do that," he noted.

In a social media post on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his demand, saying, "I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America to be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else." He also warned, "If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S."

This bold stance follows earlier tensions between Trump’s administration and global manufacturers, as the President continues to push for more American jobs and domestic production. The President's demand for Apple to manufacture its products locally also ties into his broader agenda of bringing more industries back to the US and reducing reliance on overseas production, particularly in countries like China and India.

In addition to his comments on trade, Trump also made headlines with remarks about Harvard University, accusing the institution of harboring anti-American sentiments and criticized its policies surrounding foreign student enrollment. The administration has taken a hardline stance against foreign student enrollment at prestigious US universities, accusing institutions like Harvard of turning into “hot-beds” for anti-American and anti-Semitic sentiments.

Meanwhile, during the signing of new executive orders, the White House highlighted the President’s ongoing efforts to secure the country’s energy future by promoting nuclear energy development. Trump also introduced new directives aimed at restoring public trust in the national science sector, reflecting his broader goal of revamping America’s energy policies.

As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Apple will comply with the President’s demands to build iPhones in the US, or if this will lead to further escalation in the ongoing trade tensions.