John Ternus has taken over as Apple’s CEO, while Tim Cook remains positioned to help the company navigate relations with policymakers. Business Insider reported that the leadership change followed Apple’s previously announced succession plan and moved Cook into the executive chairman role on Apple’s board.
Cook’s political experience includes regular contact with President Donald Trump and the White House, a relationship that has sometimes drawn criticism. Apple has said Cook will work with policymakers around the world, giving the former CEO an external-facing assignment after his time leading the company ended.
During Cook’s tenure, Apple gave Trump a piece of glass bearing an inscription and a 24-karat gold base, as well as a custom-made $5,999 Mac Pro. Cook personally contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, while Apple also gave an undisclosed sum toward the White House ballroom project replacing the demolished East Wing. Trump praised Cook’s performance after Apple announced the succession plan in a post on Truth Social dated April 21.
Cook has also presented Trump with major company announcements, including an additional $100 billion commitment to manufacturing in the US in 2025. The relationship has not been free of conflict, including a dispute in which Trump objected to Apple making products in India.
Federal campaign finance records indicate that Ternus’s largest apparent donation was $5,800 to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s campaign in 2021. That record suggests Ternus does not bring the same political background to the CEO position as Cook, although Apple can still draw on Cook’s experience with a significant government-facing relationship.
Cook has described his approach as focused on policy rather than politics, saying he is glad the president and administration are available for policy discussions. Apple has continued making iPhones overseas and obtained major tariff exemptions despite occasional threats from Trump to restrict that practice. The transition therefore leaves Apple with a new chief executive while retaining Cook’s knowledge of dealing with Trump’s administration.