US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Apple CEO Tim Cook for expanding iPhone production in India, urging the tech giant to prioritize manufacturing in the US instead. Speaking during his Middle East tour in Qatar, Trump revealed he confronted Cook, saying, “I don’t want you building in India… We want you to build here.”
The remarks follow Apple’s plans to shift a significant portion of iPhone production from China to India, with reports suggesting most US-bound iPhones will soon be made there. Trump, however, dismissed the move, insisting Apple should focus on boosting US manufacturing despite analysts warning that iPhones made in America could cost up to $3,500 due to higher labor expenses.
Apple has pledged a $500 billion US investment over four years, including AI server production in Texas, but replicating its vast Chinese supply chain domestically remains a challenge. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged that US iPhone factories would rely heavily on automation, not manual labor.
Trump also took aim at India’s trade policies, calling it “one of the highest-tariff nations” but noted recent negotiations for a potential tariff-free deal. The tension highlights the balancing act between Trump’s “America First” agenda and Apple’s global supply chain strategy, which increasingly sees India as a key alternative to China.
Apple has not yet responded to Trump’s latest comments.
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