Image Credit: Stephen Lam / Getty Images
Apple CEO Tim Cook has penned some thoughts regarding Donald Trump being elected as the next US president, saying that Apple will continue to “celebrate the diversity of our team.”
Donald Trump has previously criticized Apple for refusing to allow the FBI access to the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters, tweeting: “Boycott all Apple products until such time as Apple gives cellphone info to authorities regarding radical Islamic terrorist couple from Cal.” Trump has also previously stated that he will force Apple to make its hardware in the US, saying: “I’m going to get Apple to start making their computers and their iPhones on our land, not in China.”
Also See: How President Donald Trump Could Change the Internet
With the relationship between Trump and the multi-billion dollar company being less than favorable, Cook sent an email to his staff in which he outlined how the company would proceed from here on out. In a thinly veiled jab at Trump’s comments regarding various minority groups in the US, the CEO said that he values his staff “regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship or who they love.”
Credit: Christopher Furlong / Getty Images
Here’s the email in full:
Team,
I’ve heard from many of you today about the presidential election. In a political contest where the candidates were so different and each received a similar number of popular votes, it’s inevitable that the aftermath leaves many of you with strong feelings.
We have a very diverse team of employees, including supporters of each of the candidates. Regardless of which candidate each of us supported as individuals, the only way to move forward is to move forward together. I recall something Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 50 years ago: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” This advice is timeless, and a reminder that we only do great work and improve the world by moving forward.
While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apple’s North Star hasn’t changed. Our products connect people everywhere, and they provide the tools for our customers to do great things to improve their lives and the world at large. Our company is open to all, and we celebrate the diversity of our team here in the United States and around the world — regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship or who they love.
I’ve always looked at Apple as one big family and I encourage you to reach out to your co-workers if they are feeling anxious.
Let’s move forward — together!
Best, Tim
Despite Trump’s comments regarding Apple, the tech giant could prove to benefit financially from his presidency. As outlined by Fortune, the president-elect previously proposed that he would cut taxes on money companies had stored overseas. Apple is one of many companies in the tech industry to have distributed its money outside the US, in an effort to avoid paying the 35% US corporate tax.
