NEW DELHI: Former US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Apple CEO Tim Cook has sought his help after European Union imposed a fine of 13 billion euros on Apple.
During an interview, Trump told Cook he needs to be elected first, but that he will take care of it when he gets back in office.
"Tim Cook called me up directly and he did it himself, didnt have to pay ten cents and I gave him 100% of what he wanted because he was right. I mean you cant compete with Samsung and ones paying a tax. But I said you got to gradually move your company here. But then 2 hours ago, 3 hours ago, he called me. He said id like to talk to you about something, Juan," Trump said.
"He said the European Union has just fined us $15 billion. I said thats a lot. I know the feeling because I get fined too in fake cases. But I don't know if his case is fake yet. But it's a lot. Then on top of that they got fined by the European Union another $2 billion. So he's a $17 to $18 billion fine. I even said about Apple, can you pay that? I mean do you have that kind? That's a lot of money. And he said something that was interesting. He said they're using that to run their enterprise, meaning Europe is their enterprise. And I said that's a lot. I said but Tim, I got to get elected first, but I'm not going to let them take advantage of our companies. That won't be happening," he added.
Google and Apple have recently faced major legal defeats in the European Union. Both tech giants lost separate court fights in the EU, resulting in billions of euros in fines and potential ramifications for their operations in the region. The setbacks follow a string of antitrust challenges the companies have faced in various countries, including the US and the UK.
Notably, the iPhone maker was ordered to pay a 13 billion euros (approx $14.4 billion) tax bill to Ireland .
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) upheld a 2016 decision by the European Commission that accused Apple of receiving illegal tax benefits from Ireland for over two decades.
"The Court of Justice gives final judgement in the matter and confirms the European Commission's 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover," the court said in a statement.
The case originated in 2014 when the European Commission launched an investigation into Apple's tax arrangements in Ireland, where its European headquarters are based. In 2016, the Commission directed Ireland to collect up to 13 billion euros in unpaid taxes from Apple, asserting that the tech giant had benefited from unfair tax breaks amounting to illegal state aid.
Both Apple and Ireland appealed this decision, and in 2020, the EU General Court ruled in their favour, overturning the Commission's order. However, the Commission refused to concede and further appealed to the ECJ, which has now delivered its verdict, reversing the General Court's ruling and siding with the Commission.
During an interview, Trump told Cook he needs to be elected first, but that he will take care of it when he gets back in office.
"Tim Cook called me up directly and he did it himself, didnt have to pay ten cents and I gave him 100% of what he wanted because he was right. I mean you cant compete with Samsung and ones paying a tax. But I said you got to gradually move your company here. But then 2 hours ago, 3 hours ago, he called me. He said id like to talk to you about something, Juan," Trump said.
"He said the European Union has just fined us $15 billion. I said thats a lot. I know the feeling because I get fined too in fake cases. But I don't know if his case is fake yet. But it's a lot. Then on top of that they got fined by the European Union another $2 billion. So he's a $17 to $18 billion fine. I even said about Apple, can you pay that? I mean do you have that kind? That's a lot of money. And he said something that was interesting. He said they're using that to run their enterprise, meaning Europe is their enterprise. And I said that's a lot. I said but Tim, I got to get elected first, but I'm not going to let them take advantage of our companies. That won't be happening," he added.
Google and Apple have recently faced major legal defeats in the European Union. Both tech giants lost separate court fights in the EU, resulting in billions of euros in fines and potential ramifications for their operations in the region. The setbacks follow a string of antitrust challenges the companies have faced in various countries, including the US and the UK.
Notably, the iPhone maker was ordered to pay a 13 billion euros (approx $14.4 billion) tax bill to Ireland .
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) upheld a 2016 decision by the European Commission that accused Apple of receiving illegal tax benefits from Ireland for over two decades.
"The Court of Justice gives final judgement in the matter and confirms the European Commission's 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover," the court said in a statement.
The case originated in 2014 when the European Commission launched an investigation into Apple's tax arrangements in Ireland, where its European headquarters are based. In 2016, the Commission directed Ireland to collect up to 13 billion euros in unpaid taxes from Apple, asserting that the tech giant had benefited from unfair tax breaks amounting to illegal state aid.
Both Apple and Ireland appealed this decision, and in 2020, the EU General Court ruled in their favour, overturning the Commission's order. However, the Commission refused to concede and further appealed to the ECJ, which has now delivered its verdict, reversing the General Court's ruling and siding with the Commission.
You may also like
How AI is Transforming India's Tech, Media, and Telecom Industries
Shilpa Shetty Inspires Fans with Pool Workout, Emphasizing Fitness at Any Age
When You Have Diabetes, These Symptoms Appear at Night—Do Not Ignore Them
Priyank Kanoongo reflects on tenure as NCPCR Chairman, highlights progress in child rights
XEC Covid variant symptoms may appear in an unusual order - six key signs to watch
