Trump’s decision to impose high tariffs sparked widespread concern across the globe, particularly affecting imports from China, which faced tariffs as steep as 145%. This heightened cost impacted numerous companies, including major players like Apple, which has depended on China for manufacturing its products. However, Trump later issued a 90-day delay on the tariffs, claiming he wanted to assist Apple’s CEO in navigating the consequences of these trade changes. During this pause, he announced that specific devices such as smartphones and computers would temporarily be exempt from these tariffs.

Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised questions regarding this exemption, expressing her concerns in a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook. In her communication, she criticized the circumstances that led to Apple’s tariff exemptions, suggesting they could signify influence-peddling by large corporations seeking favors from the President. Warren’s letter emphasized that this situation gives the impression of impropriety and raises critical issues about the ability of influential corporate entities to secure benefits that are out of reach for smaller businesses. This scrutiny isn’t new for Apple.

Earlier in the year, the company’s contribution of $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund stirred similar controversy. Other tech giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon also made donations, prompting speculation about whether these financial contributions were intended to sway the President’s favor. It is important to note that Trump’s exemptions for tariffs are temporary. While he initially stated that smartphones and computers would be without tariffs, it was later clarified that these exemptions are not permanent.

Plans for tariffs on semiconductors, which encompass these devices, will be announced soon. This leaves the future of these exemptions uncertain and indicates a continuation of the complex relationship between large corporations and government policies.