'Almost incomparable career': Donald Trump backs Tim Cook over Steve Jobs era

In a significant leadership shift, Tim Cook, the current CEO of Apple, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman starting September 1, 2026. The announcement has sparked a wave of reflections, notably from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who took to Truth Social to commend Cook's remarkable tenure. Trump expressed his admiration for Cook, describing him as an 'incredible' leader and reminiscing about their past interactions. He remarked, 'I have always been a big fan of Tim Cook,' while also reflecting on how, had Steve Jobs not passed away prematurely, the company might not have achieved the same level of success it has under Cook's stewardship. In his post, Trump shared anecdotes of their collaborations, highlighting moments when he assisted Cook with significant challenges that only a President could address. He humorously recalled the time he mistakenly referred to Cook as 'Tim Apple,' a light-hearted slip that has become part of their shared history. Trump conveyed his initial impressions of Cook, noting, 'I was very impressed with myself to have the head of Apple calling to 'kiss my a**.' He mentioned that during his presidency, Cook would reach out to him occasionally, and he would offer support when possible, although he noted that Cook sometimes made overly ambitious requests. Concluding his tribute, Trump praised Cook as an 'amazing manager and leader,' acknowledging his unparalleled career and expressing confidence that he would continue to contribute significantly to Apple. As Cook prepares to step down, John Ternus has been named as his successor, with Johny Srouji stepping in as the new chief hardware officer, taking on Ternus's previous responsibilities.