 "Apple CEO Tim Cook gave a glass piece made by Corning, with President Trump’s name printed across the top. AP")
When Apple CEO Tim Cook visited the Oval Office, he didn’t show up empty-handed. Along with announcing a fresh $100 billion investment in US manufacturing, he brought a symbolic gift for President Donald Trump, a piece of iPhone glass, mounted on a 24-karat gold base.
The moment was captured on video, showing Cook presenting the memento as Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick looked on.
Cook has built a strong working relationship with Trump over the years. After Trump’s second-term win, several business leaders reportedly looked to Cook’s example when it came to navigating conversations with the President.
This comes as Trump has previously publicly pushed Apple and other companies to shift their manufacturing to the US and has even warned of possible tariffs if they don’t.
So what’s the story behind this gift? And why does it matter? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the gift special?
At first glance, it might seem like a simple glass disc, but it carries much more meaning.
The piece was made by Corning, the company behind the durable and ultra-clear glass used in iPhones. It features the Apple logo etched into the centre, with President Trump’s name printed across the top.
“This glass comes off the Corning line. It’s engraved for President Trump. It’s a unique unit of one. It was designed by a US Marine Corps corporal, a former one, who works at Apple now,” Cook shared.
The base of the glass, a 24-karat gold stand, adds a luxe touch, and according to Cook, the gold was sourced from Utah. At the bottom of the disc, there’s Cook’s signature along with the words “Made in USA” and the year 2025.
And while the exact weight wasn’t mentioned, it’s worth noting that the current price of gold is over $3,300 an ounce, as per Reuters.
Trump’s push to make Apple ‘Made in USA’
Donald Trump has repeatedly pushed American tech giants, especially Apple, to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. Shortly after he came back for his second term, he made it clear that he wants fewer iPhones made in India or China, and more assembled on American soil.
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook … that I expect their iPhones … sold in the United States … to be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump had written on Truth Social. “If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25 per cent must be paid by Apple to the US.”
In response to that pressure and in line with growing political and consumer expectations, Apple has pledged a significant boost to its domestic investments. CEO Tim Cook recently announced that Apple is adding another $100 billion to its existing commitment of $500 billion in the US over the next four years.
As part of this effort, Cook said that soon, 100 per cent of the cover glass used for iPhones and Apple Watches will be made in the United States.
“Companies like Apple, they’re coming home. They’re all coming home,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after receiving the custom-made Apple gift.
“This is a significant step toward the ultimate goal of ensuring that iPhones sold in America also are made in America,” he added.
With input from agencies