A blunt and headline-grabbing post from Donald Trump is putting fresh attention on Tim Cook just as the tech leader prepares to step down.
In a message shared April 21, 2026, Trump reflected on his past interactions with Cook, recalling what he described as a moment during his first term when the Apple chief called him for help. Trump wrote that he was impressed to have “the head of Apple calling to ‘kiss my ass,’” a remark that quickly spread across social media and news platforms.
The tone of the post was mixed.
Trump opened by calling himself a “big fan” of Cook and even suggested he had done a better job leading Apple than co-founder Steve Jobs. But the praise was paired with personal anecdotes and language that critics say undercut the congratulatory message.
He also revisited his long-running nickname for the executive, again referring to him as “Tim Apple,” a label that has followed Cook since Trump’s first presidency.
According to the post, Cook reached out multiple times during Trump’s time in office, often seeking assistance on business or policy matters. Trump claimed he provided “3 or 4 BIG HELPS,” though he added that he did not always agree to requests, describing some as overly aggressive.
The timing of the comments is key.
Just one day earlier, Apple confirmed that Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, with John Ternus set to take over the role. Ternus, currently Apple’s hardware chief, has been closely tied to the development of Apple’s in-house chip technology powering its major devices.
Cook is not leaving the company entirely.
Apple announced he will transition into the role of executive chairman, where he is expected to remain involved in high-level strategy and global policy discussions. That includes continued engagement with governments, suggesting his relationship with political leaders like Trump could remain relevant even after the leadership change.
Online reaction to Trump’s post has been swift and divided.
Supporters viewed the comment as classic Trump style, mixing humor and bluntness while highlighting his influence over major corporate figures. Critics, however, called the language inappropriate and questioned why a congratulatory message included such a personal jab.
The moment underscores a broader reality.
The relationship between major tech companies and political leadership remains complex, often blending cooperation, negotiation, and public tension. As Apple enters a new leadership era, that dynamic is unlikely to disappear.
For now, a single post has once again pulled business, politics, and personality into the same spotlight.