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Former President Donald Trump recently revealed on the PBD Podcast that Apple CEO Tim Cook called him to complain about the hefty fines Apple has been slapped with by the European Union. According to Trump, Cook expressed concerns over a $17 billion penalty that the EU imposed on Apple, which includes a $15 billion fine, plus an additional $2 billion, likely referencing the Irish tax case and other regulatory challenges Apple has faced in Europe.

During the conversation, Trump claimed that Cook mentioned the EU was essentially using these fines to fund their operations, a sentiment Trump echoed during the podcast. Trump, however, was quick to respond, telling Cook that while he sympathized with the company’s situation, he needed to be re-elected first before he could address these issues. The episode was posted on October 17, 2024, but it’s unclear when the call took place.

Trump’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions between major tech companies like Apple and European regulators, who have taken a tough stance on issues such as antitrust and tax avoidance. Apple has long faced scrutiny in the EU, with the Irish tax case alone accounting for a large portion of the fines mentioned. While Trump’s comments suggest sympathy for Apple, it’s worth noting that during his presidency, no significant actions were taken to mitigate the EU’s regulatory moves against U.S. companies.

This is not the first time Cook has had to lobby political figures to defend Apple’s interests. During both the Trump and Biden administrations, Apple executives have maintained a close relationship with U.S. leadership, advocating for the company’s position in an increasingly competitive and regulated global market.