Lately, Apple has been under pressure to unveil a big, exciting new product. With smartphone innovation hitting a plateau and its AI initiatives floundering a bit, many have questioned what the tech giant’s next major move will be. Well, now we have an answer—and it’s a personalized participation trophy for Donald Trump.
The presentation took place at a press conference where Apple announced a $100 billion U.S. manufacturing initiative, called the Apple American Manufacturing Program, largely seen as a strategic move to avoid impending tariffs. During the event, Apple CEO Tim Cook personally handed Trump what was described as a “one of a kind” gift.
The object itself features a circular glass disc with a large cutout of the Apple logo. Trump’s name is printed prominently at the top, while Cook’s signature sits below the logo, accompanied by the words “Made in USA.”
Cook was careful to highlight the item’s all-American origins. He noted that the glass was designed by a former U.S. Marine Corps corporal now employed at Apple, the 24-karat gold base was manufactured in Utah, and even the presentation box was made in California.
Unsurprisingly, the very public, very golden gift has been met with raised eyebrows online. One social media user called it “Baubles and trinkets for the little boy President.” Another added, “Dignity goes out the window when tariffs are on the line. They even made the plaque gold… really trying to get into Trump’s head.” A third simply concluded, “This is a pathetic surrender to an authoritarian. Really disappointed in Tim Cook and Apple.”
Presenting a shiny object to Trump is certainly not a good look for Apple. However, some argue that this kind of flattery might just be the bare minimum required to avoid political and economic fallout. As another commenter put it, “Hot take: This isn’t that deep. It’s just a CEO doing what he feels is necessary to protect his company from the wrath of shareholders and consumers. I doubt Cook enjoys this, but it’s part of the job.” It’s an awkward dance between principle and pragmatism, and the golden statue is its perfect, uncomfortable symbol.
