Trump says Apple’s Tim Cook called with concerns about EU penalties

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he received a call from Apple CEO Tim Cook over concerns about the financial penalties that have been imposed by the European Union on the iPhone maker.

Apple did not respond to a request seeking confirmation of the authenticity of the phone call.

European regulators have launched a series of investigations into Big Tech firms in recent years, with the aim of curbing their power and ensuring a level playing field for smaller rivals.

Apple CEO Tim Cook escorts President Donald Trump in 2019 during a tour of Apple’s Mac Pro manufacturing plant in Austin, Texas. REUTERS

“Two hours ago, three hours ago, he (Cook) called me,” Trump said, while speaking with podcaster Patrick Bet-David in a program that was released on Thursday. “He said the European Union has just fined us $15 billion. … Then on top of that they got fined by the European Union another $2 billion,” Trump added, quoting his call with Cook.

Last month, Apple lost a long-running court battle with the European Union, resulting in Apple’s being forced to pay 13 billion euros ($14.08 billion) in back taxes to Ireland, as part of a wider crackdown. Earlier this year, the company was hit with a $2 billion EU antitrust fine for thwarting competition from music streaming rivals via restrictions on its App Store.

“Tim, I got to get elected first. … But I’m not going to let them take advantage of our companies. That won’t be happening,” Trump quoted himself as saying to Cook, during the nearly 90-minute podcast appearance.