Apple CEO Tim Cook opens up about engaging with Elon Musk, Donald Trump

Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke up about the importance of engaging in discourse with individuals who do not always agree with him, including Twitter CEO Elon Musk and former US president Donald Trump. 

He spoke about the value of these conversations in a recent interview with GQ, referencing his past interactions with Musk and Trump.

Cook emphasised that he feels very strongly about engaging with people regardless of whether they share his views or not, stating he thinks it is even more important to engage in discussions when there is disagreement. This approach in communication may also carry significance for Apple's business dealings.

Last year, Cook's apparent reconciliation with Musk followed a tweet in which the Twitter CEO questioned whether Apple "hates free speech in America" because the company had "mostly stopped advertising on Twitter". Musk also claimed that Apple had inexplicably "threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store". However, just two days later, Musk posted a video at Apple's headquarters and praised Cook, saying the Apple chief had helped clear their "misunderstanding".

Cook also met with Trump when he was pushing for tariffs on imports from China. In 2019, Cook met with Trump and reportedly earned the then President's praise as a "great executive" who "calls me and others don't," and possibly the nickname "Tim Apple". These discussions seemed to have paid off for Apple, as the company managed to avoid 15 per cent tariffs that could have made signature products like iPhones and laptops more expensive.

When discussing these types of interactions, Cook told GQ, "The philosophy is engagement".