Tim Cook hands over reins of Apple, but remains Trump whisperer

Apple’s Tim Cook handed over the reins as CEO to John Ternus on Tuesday, but the technology giant won’t be losing his political clout and connections to Washington. 

In his new role as executive chair of Apple’s board, Cook will focus on policy, leveraging the political muscle he’s built over the past 15 years to navigate the White House’s shifting trade policy and fierce competition with China. 

Cook is a “major asset to Apple” regardless of his position, Dan Ives, partner and senior managing director at Yorkville Ives, told The Hill on Monday. 

“It’s not just for Apple, but [Cook] plays a key role for the tech industry going into this landscape with AI, political debates in the U.S. around data centers, the U.S.-China battle for tech supremacy,” Ives said.

Announcing his decision to step down as CEO in April, Apple said Cook will “assist with certain aspects of the company” as executive chair, including “engaging with policymakers around the world.” Specifically, Cook told Ternus he will manage Apple’s relationships with President Trump and the Chinese government, Bloomberg reported. 

Cook, who served as Apple’s CEO since 2011, is among a handful of technology leaders who built a friendly rapport with Trump, despite occasional tensions in the president’s first and second terms. 

Shortly after Cook announced he would step down as CEO, Trump said he has “always been a big fan” of the executive, calling him “an amazing manager and leader.” 

Technology analysts predict Cook’s relationship with Trump will be key to ensuring Apple’s success as Ternus — a product designer with little political experience — steps into the role. 

“Ternus really is a product guy … it makes sense for Cook to say, ‘Look, John, you run the product show right now, and I’ll handle these policy and relationship issues while you get your feet on the ground,’” said David Pogue, a veteran technology journalist and CBS News “Sunday Morning” correspondent who recently published the book “Apple: The First 50 Years.” 

While Cook previously served as Apple’s chief operating officer, tackling sales, operations and supply chain logistics, Ternus’s 25 years at Apple were spent on hardware and product design. 

The new CEO........

© The Hill