Trump Pushes for US-Made iPhones, Cites “Computerized” Factories

Former President Donald Trump is once again urging Apple to shift iPhone production to the United States, suggesting that highly “computerized” factories would make it feasible. This comes after Trump threatened potential tariffs on iPhones manufactured overseas.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump addressed concerns about the practicality of moving Apple’s manufacturing base. “Oh, they can, and a lot of it is so computerized now,” Trump stated. “These plants are amazing if you look at them. But they can do that, and actually, as you know, Apple is coming in with $500 billion. So are the chip companies we have.”

He emphasized his desire for iPhones sold in America to be built domestically. “All of the chip companies are coming in with the biggest, $500 billion, $200 billion, $250 billion in spending. But we’re talking about the iPhone now and, you know, if they’re going to sell it in America I want it to be built in the United States,” he continued. The former president has reportedly told Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, that he expects iPhones sold in the U.S. to be manufactured in the United States, not in India or elsewhere.

Social Media Reacts with Skepticism

Trump’s remarks sparked immediate reactions on social media, with many users questioning the feasibility and economic sense of his proposal.

One user pointed out, “Does he really think Apple didn’t run exhaustive cost analyses across every potential country – including the US – before deciding where to manufacture? They know exactly what US production would cost, down to the tiniest detail. If it was more profitable, they’d already be doing it.”

Another user sarcastically commented on the timeline, “So Donald is giving a company less than 30 days to build a complicated factory that will immediately begin producing. He really thinks like that?”

Concerns about higher labor costs in the US and the potential impact on consumer prices were also raised. One user stated, “Once again for the MAGA morons in the back, you have to pay higher wages in America; companies are not going to eat these cost increases, just like they are not eating the tariffs, and these additional costs will also be passed along to consumers as price increases.”

A final user added, “He does so not knowing what he is talking about. Selling a phone 1500$ made in Asia for 10$. Even with robots, US made phone will cost 1500$. Like.”

Tariffs Loom as Potential Incentive

Trump’s push for domestic iPhone production is coupled with the threat of tariffs. He stated on Truth Social that if Apple does not manufacture iPhones sold in the US within the country, a tariff of at least 25% will be imposed. He also suggested that this potential tariff could extend to other companies like Samsung.

It remains to be seen how Apple will respond to this renewed pressure and the potential financial implications of shifting its manufacturing base.

Tags: Donald Trump, Apple, iPhone, Tariffs, Manufacturing, US Economy