Apple CEO Tim Cook reacts to Donald Trump's election

7 years ago

Apple CEO Tim Cook reacts to Donald Trump's election

The stunning results of the 2016 US Presidential elections have sent tech companies stocks down with some losing more than others, and it's interesting to see how these companies react to the news of a Donald Trump presidency.

It's particularly interesting to see the reaction of the US and world's biggest tech company, Apple, makers of the iPhone. Not only because of its sheer size, but also because it is the only company that has an openly gay man as its chief executive officer and because of its solid track record in respecting LGBT rights.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, is in many ways a defender of more traditional values, and while nobody expects any radical changes in US policies towards people of different color, religion and sexual orientation, it's a fact that Trump has spoken against some of these minorities. Not only this, Trump has also called Apple to unlock the phone of the San Bernardino shooter despite the fact that this has the real potential to compromise the security for all of its iPhone users, and he's also called for Apple to move manufacturing to the United States.

Apple CEO Tim Cook sent a cool and short notice to all Apple employees, calling all to move forward and be assured that Apple will stand by its North Star. Here's the full text of Cook's email:

Team,

I’ve heard from many of you today about the presidential election. In a political contest where the candidates were so different and each received a similar number of popular votes, it’s inevitable that the aftermath leaves many of you with strong feelings.

We have a very diverse team of employees, including supporters of each of the candidates. Regardless of which candidate each of us supported as individuals, the only way to move forward is to move forward together. I recall something Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 50 years ago: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” This advice is timeless, and a reminder that we only do great work and improve the world by moving forward.

While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apple’s North Star hasn’t changed. Our products connect people everywhere, and they provide the tools for our customers to do great things to improve their lives and the world at large. Our company is open to all, and we celebrate the diversity of our team here in the United States and around the world — regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship or who they love.

I’ve always looked at Apple as one big family and I encourage you to reach out to your co-workers if they are feeling anxious.

Let’s move forward — together!

Best,
Tim