Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) isn’t a company usually associated with national security, but it is in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump, now an expert has given his take on the situation.
What Happened: On Friday, Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF Securities, took to X, formerly Twitter, and outlined three key reasons why Trump persistently targets Apple in public.
First, he noted, Trump knows that pressuring a global brand like Apple guarantees widespread media attention. “Forcing Apple, the world’s most famous company, and its iconic iPhone to adopt ‘Made in America’ policies generates maximum exposure.”
Don’t Miss:
Second, Apple rarely pushes back publicly, making it a low-risk target. “Apple is reluctant to openly contest Trump’s statements or mount significant opposition,” Kuo added, stating that it makes it easier for Trump to apply pressure without facing serious backlash.
Finally, Kuo explained that Trump benefits regardless of Apple’s response.
“If Apple moves iPhone assembly back to the U.S., Trump can promote it as a major ‘Made in America’ achievement and key policy win.”
On the other hand, if Apple negotiates a deal to avoid tariffs, Trump still gains leverage — and he can always reignite pressure later, Kuo stated.
Apple is a consumer electronics company whose current products and services have no significant connection to national security, so why is it persistently and publicly targeted by Trump?
1. Pressuring high-profile targets amplifies publicity. Forcing Apple, the world’s most…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 24, 2025
Why It’s Important: Earlier on Friday, Trump demanded that iPhones sold in the U.S. must be manufactured domestically, or the company could face a 25% tariff.
Trump’s remarks were a direct response to Apple’s expanding footprint in India, where its major supplier, Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd (OTC:HNHAF), is constructing a $1.5 billion display module facility near Chennai, India.
Following this, Kuo said that Apple would likely find it more financially viable to absorb a 25% tariff on U.S. iPhone sales than to relocate its iPhone assembly operations back to the U.S.
See Next:
Photo Courtesy: Joey Sussman on Shutterstock.com
Trump’s Targeting Of Apple Isn’t Random — Analyst Says It’s A Calculated Move For Maximum Political Gain originally appeared on Benzinga.com.