Apple CEO Tim Cook: ‘I’m Not a Political Person’

In an interview with Good Morning America‘s Michael Strahan this week, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook said he is « not a political person. »

Strahan said Cook has been criticized over his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. He noted that Cook attended Trump’s second inauguration last year, gifted Trump a piece of glass with a 24-karat gold base, and went to a private screening of a Melania Trump documentary at the White House earlier this year. Cook reportedly also personally donated $1 million to Trump’s second inauguration fund.

Cook responded with a diplomatic answer.

« I interact on policy, not politics, » said Cook.

« I’m not a political person on either side, » he added. « I’m not political. And so I’m kind of straight down the middle and I focus on policy. And so, I’m very pleased that the President and the administration is accessible to talk about policy. »

However, not everyone thinks politics and policy can be separated. For example, Apple commentator John Gruber said Cook’s response « makes sense only if you believe government policy decisions aren’t political — which is to say it makes no sense. »

Others have argued that Cook is fulfilling his fiduciary responsibility by ensuring that Apple is in good standing with the U.S. government.

The topic continues to provoke strong opinions.

As a whole, Apple’s corporate values are generally considered to be progressive, particularly with respect to social and environmental matters.

This article, "Apple CEO Tim Cook: 'I'm Not a Political Person'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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