On August 6, 2025, Apple CEO Tim Cook presented a highly distinctive gift to former President Donald Trump during a special ceremony at the White House. The gift was a custom-crafted glass plaque mounted on a 24-karat gold base, described by Cook as a “unique unit of one.” This gesture was made during the same week that Apple announced an additional $100 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, bringing the company’s total commitment to U.S. production up to a remarkable $600 billion over the next four years.
The plaque, which was designed by a former U.S. Marine Corps corporal who now works at Apple, features a circular glass disc produced by Corning in Kentucky. At the center of the disc is an Apple logo cutout, while President Trump’s name is engraved at the top. The bottom of the plaque bears Tim Cook’s signature, along with the inscription “Made in USA 2025,” highlighting both the craftsmanship and the American-made nature of the item.
This ceremonial presentation of the plaque coincided with President Trump’s announcement regarding new tariff exemptions. Specifically, companies that manufacture semiconductors and chips domestically in the United States, such as Apple, would be exempt from a newly imposed 100% tariff on imported semiconductors. This exemption was a significant policy move that served to benefit Apple and other manufacturers working within the U.S.
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The expansion of Apple’s investment in American manufacturing includes plans to produce all iPhone and Apple Watch cover glass in the U.S. This marks a major milestone in Apple’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its commitment to American-made products. However, both Tim Cook and Donald Trump acknowledged that producing fully U.S.-made iPhones remains a complex and costly ambition. While it is a goal for Apple, the company faces significant challenges in achieving complete U.S. production of its flagship device. Still, both men expressed optimism that future incentives could encourage the shift toward more domestic manufacturing, especially given the importance of Apple’s role in the U.S. economy.
The gift presented by Tim Cook has sparked a wide range of reactions across the political spectrum. Some observers see it as a strategic move on Cook’s part, intended to secure favorable policy treatment from the Trump administration. Others have been more critical, viewing the gesture as an ostentatious display of corporate influence. Senator Bernie Sanders, for example, mocked the act, suggesting that if a company like Apple couldn’t afford to gift Trump a luxurious $400 million plane, a modest gold statue would suffice. The critique underscores the political and social divides that such gestures can sometimes amplify.
The presentation of this unique gold-plated plaque to the former president has drawn attention not only because of its symbolic value but also because of its timing. As Trump and Cook stood together, the move was perceived as a calculated yet meaningful acknowledgment of Apple’s investment in U.S. manufacturing and the broader economic relationship between large corporations and the government.
As Apple moves forward with its ambitious investment plans, this gift will likely remain a talking point, with some applauding it as a gesture of goodwill, while others may question its motivations. Tim Cook’s decision to give such a personalized and high-end gift to Donald Trump also sheds light on the way in which corporate leaders interact with political figures, with some choosing to navigate these relationships through gifts, flattery, and strategic alliances.
