Apple's Tim Cook Among CEOs Invited on Trump's Trip to China
Source: MacRumors
The Trump administration plans to invite Apple CEO Tim Cook and CEOs from other companies such as Nvidia, Qualcomm, Exxon, and Boeing on a trip to China next week, according to Semafor.
Trump is expected to focus on building his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping during meetings on May 14 and May 15. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue have been suggesting CEOs for Trump to invite. This would be the first U.S. presidential visit to China since Trump’s 2017 trip.
Tim Cook’s Upcoming Transition
Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to step down on September 1, 2026, with Apple hardware chief John Ternus taking over as CEO. Cook will remain at Apple as executive chairman, assisting with “certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world.” He has said he plans to stay in the executive‑chairman role “for a long time,” and that Apple will remain his top priority.
Trump‑Cook Relationship
Two weeks ago, Trump said he has “always been a big fan” of Cook and bragged about the relationship Cook has established with him. “I was very impressed with myself to have the head of Apple calling to ‘kiss my ass,’” Trump said, referring to his first presidential term.
Cook has worked through two Trump presidencies, maintaining a positive rapport that Apple views as beneficial. In 2025, Cook donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, and he marked Apple’s $600 billion U.S. investment pledge with a glass‑and‑24‑karat‑gold plaque gifted to Trump.
With Cook taking on an expanded role interfacing with Trump and other policymakers worldwide, incoming CEO John Ternus will be able to focus more on Apple’s operations. Ternus also won’t be subject to the same criticism that Cook has faced for his relationship with Trump.
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