Trump wanted a US-made iPhone. Apple gave him a gold statue.

In a strategic play to navigate the complexities of Donald Trump's trade policies, Apple has adopted a unique approach. On Wednesday, President Trump revealed that the tech giant would evade a proposed 100% tariff on semiconductors, a move that could have significantly inflated iPhone prices worldwide, according to Reuters. In exchange for this exemption, Apple has pledged to ramp up its investment in the United States by an impressive $100 billion. To further solidify this relationship, Apple CEO Tim Cook presented Trump with an extraordinary statue, intricately engraved with the president's name. This unusual gift appears to be an effort to charm Trump, who has been advocating for a resurgence of tech manufacturing in the US, despite Apple traditionally resisting such transitions for its flagship products. The statue, crafted by Corning—Apple's partner in US manufacturing—features a striking design with a large Apple logo at its center. Cook noted that a former Marine Corps corporal, now part of Apple's team, was responsible for this creative endeavor. Adding to its allure, the statue boasts a base made of 24-karat gold, accompanied by a message from Cook proclaiming it as "Made in America," with origins from Utah. This calculated gesture seems to have paid off. During a presentation at the Oval Office, Trump assured that there would be no fees for Apple or any other firms establishing factories in the US when the chip tariffs are officially put in place. This development marks a significant victory for Apple, especially following Trump's earlier criticisms of the company's plans to shift iPhone manufacturing to India instead of the US, as he had hoped.