Tim Cook stuns Trump with gold and glass statue at White House event
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Aug 07, 2025, 22:48 IST
Trump, Cook to announce Apple is investing another $100 billion in the U.S.
( Image credit : AP )
Highlight of the story: Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, presented a special gift to President Donald Trump. The gift was a custom-made statue. It was made of glass and 24-karat gold. The event highlighted Apple's commitment to US manufacturing. The statue featured the Apple logo and Trump's name. It also said “Made in USA”. The gift sparked debate online. Some praised it, others criticized it.
At a recent White House event focused on boosting domestic manufacturing, Apple CEO Tim Cook surprised President Donald Trump with an unexpected and extravagant gesture—a custom-designed glass and 24-karat gold statue. The presentation, which quickly ignited debate across social media, served as both a symbolic gift and a public relations statement emphasizing Apple’s commitment to U.S.-based production.
The event was part of Apple’s broader effort to showcase its investment in American manufacturing. Instead of delivering just a speech or a handshake, Cook unveiled a striking tribute that blended technological artistry with patriotic flair.
Crafted from Corning glass and mounted on a 24K gold base sourced from Utah, the engraved disc featured the Apple logo, Trump’s name, and the words “Made in USA.” The disc was designed by a former U.S. Marine now working at Apple, underscoring a message of American craftsmanship and veteran involvement in the tech industry. Cook personally signed the piece and inscribed it with the year, 2025.
According to reports, including from The Verge, Corning—the same company that produces the durable glass used in iPhones—was responsible for manufacturing the clear glass centerpiece. The golden base gave the piece a luxurious foundation and reinforced Apple’s message about quality and national pride.
The timing of the gift was far from accidental. President Trump has consistently advocated for American companies to bring jobs back to the U.S., and Apple has faced pressure over the years to reduce its reliance on overseas manufacturing. The statue, then, wasn’t merely decorative—it was a calculated symbol of alignment between corporate goals and political priorities.
Reactions across the internet were swift and polarized. Some praised the gesture as a masterclass in branding and diplomacy. Others, however, saw it as an unsettling display of corporate flattery, with users drawing comparisons to authoritarian gift-giving traditions.
“This feels like a Kim Jong Un moment,” one user wrote. Another quipped, “It’s like something out of a five-star restaurant experience—right down to the origin story of the ingredients.”
Some took a more historical angle, with one user likening the gesture to ancient tributes paid to emperors: “Mongols with horses for the Chinese emperor. The dynasty collapses soon.”
Despite the backlash online, many experts view the move as a savvy piece of political theater. Apple not only reinforced its American identity but also managed to highlight its veteran workforce and technological innovation. In the business world, Cook is known for navigating political relationships with finesse, and this carefully choreographed moment is likely to strengthen Apple’s image among policymakers.
While the gesture may have divided public opinion, it undeniably captured attention and reignited discussion around tech, politics, and the fine line between symbolism and spectacle. Whether seen as sincere patriotism or corporate excess, the gold-and-glass gift delivered Apple a spotlight far beyond the typical product launch.
The event was part of Apple’s broader effort to showcase its investment in American manufacturing. Instead of delivering just a speech or a handshake, Cook unveiled a striking tribute that blended technological artistry with patriotic flair.
Crafted from Corning glass and mounted on a 24K gold base sourced from Utah, the engraved disc featured the Apple logo, Trump’s name, and the words “Made in USA.” The disc was designed by a former U.S. Marine now working at Apple, underscoring a message of American craftsmanship and veteran involvement in the tech industry. Cook personally signed the piece and inscribed it with the year, 2025.
According to reports, including from The Verge, Corning—the same company that produces the durable glass used in iPhones—was responsible for manufacturing the clear glass centerpiece. The golden base gave the piece a luxurious foundation and reinforced Apple’s message about quality and national pride.
The timing of the gift was far from accidental. President Trump has consistently advocated for American companies to bring jobs back to the U.S., and Apple has faced pressure over the years to reduce its reliance on overseas manufacturing. The statue, then, wasn’t merely decorative—it was a calculated symbol of alignment between corporate goals and political priorities.
Reactions across the internet were swift and polarized. Some praised the gesture as a masterclass in branding and diplomacy. Others, however, saw it as an unsettling display of corporate flattery, with users drawing comparisons to authoritarian gift-giving traditions.
“This feels like a Kim Jong Un moment,” one user wrote. Another quipped, “It’s like something out of a five-star restaurant experience—right down to the origin story of the ingredients.”
Some took a more historical angle, with one user likening the gesture to ancient tributes paid to emperors: “Mongols with horses for the Chinese emperor. The dynasty collapses soon.”
Despite the backlash online, many experts view the move as a savvy piece of political theater. Apple not only reinforced its American identity but also managed to highlight its veteran workforce and technological innovation. In the business world, Cook is known for navigating political relationships with finesse, and this carefully choreographed moment is likely to strengthen Apple’s image among policymakers.
While the gesture may have divided public opinion, it undeniably captured attention and reignited discussion around tech, politics, and the fine line between symbolism and spectacle. Whether seen as sincere patriotism or corporate excess, the gold-and-glass gift delivered Apple a spotlight far beyond the typical product launch.