Trump to Cook: 'Don't Build in India'

Trump's Remarks on Apple's India Expansion Spark Debate Doha, Qatar – In a surprise statement made during a speech in Doha on May 15th, 2025, former US President Donald Trump voiced his opposition to Apple's plans to expand its manufacturing operations in India. Trump's comments, captured in a short video clip, have quickly ignited debate among business and political analysts. "I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday," Trump stated, "I said to him, Tim, my friend, I treated you very good, you're coming in with $500 billion, but now I hear you building all over India. I don't want you building in India. India can take care of themselves. They're doing very well. We want you to build here." Trump's remarks are significant given Apple's substantial investment in India and the growing importance of the Indian market in the global tech industry. His assertion that India is capable of self-sufficiency challenges the conventional wisdom that multinational corporations are essential for economic development in emerging markets. The video clip, while brief, provides a direct and unfiltered view of Trump's perspective. It is expected that this statement will be widely discussed and analyzed in the coming days and weeks, prompting further conversation on the relationship between US-India relations, global trade, and the future of Apple's international strategy. The incident highlights the complex interplay of business decisions and geopolitical considerations in the modern global economy.