Washington DC (National Times): Former U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday with a pointed demand for Apple Inc., calling on the tech giant to stop manufacturing iPhones abroad and move production back to American soil. In his latest post, Trump warned that failure to comply should result in a 25% tariff on all iPhones imported into the United States.
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump wrote. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US. Thank your for your attention to this matter!”
The message, punctuated by Trump’s trademark mix of business rhetoric and populist nationalism, immediately reignited debates over global manufacturing and trade protectionism. The former president has repeatedly criticized American corporations for offshoring jobs and production, particularly to China and, more recently, India.
Apple has been steadily increasing its iPhone assembly in India, part of a broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing. While some production still occurs in the U.S., the majority of iPhones sold domestically are assembled abroad.
Trump’s remarks, though not linked to any current policy, are seen as a warning shot, especially as he positions himself for influence in the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. Analysts say the former president is signaling to both the tech industry and his voter base that he intends to maintain a hard line on trade and domestic manufacturing.
