Trump Praises Tim Cook's Apple Leadership, Recalls Early First-Term Phone Call

President Donald Trump has weighed in on Tim Cook's decision to step down from his role leading Apple, with John Ternus set to take over as the next CEO.

The 79-year-old president released a statement Monday on Truth Social expressing admiration for the 65-year-old executive's track record at the company. Trump began by noting his long-standing respect for Cook, while also offering a hypothetical comparison to the late Steve Jobs.

"I have always been a big fan of Tim Cook, and likewise, Steve Jobs, but if Steve was not taken from the Planet Earth so young, and ran the company instead of Tim, the company would have done well, but nowhere near as well as it has under Tim," Trump wrote.

The president went on to detail what he described as the origins of his relationship with Cook, tracing it back to a phone call early in his first term. According to Trump's account, Cook reached out with a significant business challenge that required presidential intervention—a problem Trump suggested would have otherwise cost millions in consulting fees with uncertain results.

"When I got the call I said, wow, it's Tim Apple (Cook!) calling, how big is that? I was very impressed with myself to have the head of Apple calling to 'kiss my a–,'" Trump stated in the message.

Trump characterized the issue as "a tough one" but said he felt Cook's position was justified and resolved the matter "quickly and effectively." He credited this initial interaction with launching what he described as a productive working relationship spanning his five years in office.

Throughout his presidency, Trump indicated that Cook would periodically call him for assistance on various matters. Trump claimed he provided help on multiple occasions, though he noted Cook could sometimes be "too aggressive in his ask." He contrasted Cook's approach with what he characterized as the expensive and often ineffective work of high-priced consultants in Washington.

"Anyway, Tim Cook had an AMAZING career, almost incomparable, and will go on and continue to do great work for Apple, and whatever else he chooses to work on. Quite simply, Tim Cook is an incredible guy!!!" Trump concluded.