00:25A blunt remark, a powerful relationship,
00:28and now a major leadership transition at one of the world's biggest companies.
00:34President Donald Trump has once again grabbed headlines,
00:37this time with a striking claim about outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook.
00:42In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Cook once called him during his first term,
00:47to kiss my ass, a comment that raised eyebrows instantly.
00:51But what followed was unexpected.
00:54Instead of criticism, Trump praised Cook,
00:56calling him an incredible guy and one of the most effective leaders he's worked with.
01:01The statement comes at a pivotal moment for Apple Inc.
01:05After 15 years at the helm, Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO.
01:09He will hand over leadership to John Turnus on September 1st,
01:13while continuing as executive chairman,
01:15a major shift for a company that has grown into a global powerhouse under Cook's leadership.
01:20Trump reflected on how his relationship with Cook began,
01:23with what he described as a tough phone call early in his presidency.
01:28According to Trump, Cook reached out directly to address a major business issue,
01:33bypassing the usual channels in Washington.
01:35No consultants, no intermediaries, just a direct ask.
01:40And, as Trump puts it, a quick resolution.
01:43That moment, he says, marked the beginning of a long and productive working relationship.
01:48Over time, Trump claims he came to see Cook as a highly efficient leader,
01:53someone who gets the job done quickly.
01:56He even compared Cook's performance favorably to what he described as costly
02:00and often ineffective advisory systems in Washington.
02:04But Trump didn't stop there.
02:06He also invoked the legacy of Steve Jobs,
02:08suggesting that while Jobs was visionary,
02:11Apple's success under Cook has been even greater,
02:14a notable endorsement given Jobs' iconic status in the tech world.
02:18Cook's tenure has indeed been transformative.
02:21From expanding Apple's global footprint
02:23to navigating trade tensions and supply chain challenges,
02:27he has steered the company through a complex era.
02:30And notably, his relationship with Trump remained pragmatic.
02:34During periods of trade friction,
02:36Cook maintained direct communication with the White House,
02:39successfully lobbying for tariff relief on key Apple products.
02:42A rare example of alignment between big tech and political leadership.
02:47Now, as Cook prepares to step into a new role,
02:50the spotlight shifts to what comes next.
02:53Can Apple maintain its momentum under new leadership?
02:55And how will its relationship with Washington evolve?
02:58For now, one thing is clear.
03:00Even in departure,
03:02Tim Cook is leaving behind not just a corporate legacy,
03:05but a political one as well.
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