Trump wants Apple to ‘GET RID OF DEI RULES, NOT JUST MAKE ADJUSTMENTS’

President Trump has calmly suggested that Apple should consider reevaluating its policies around diversity, equity, and inclusion, while making the case that meritocracy could yield better results and reduce workplace division. Wait, scratch that, President Trump has blasted Apple on social media in an all-caps message, demanding that “APPLE SHOULD GET RID OF DEI RULES, NOT JUST MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THEM.”

Apple, the most valuable company in the world, which suggests it must be doing something right, advised shareholders against supporting a proposal on Tuesday that would have forced Apple to end its DEI efforts. The company credits its success in part with creating “a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”

While the proposal to end diversity and inclusion efforts failed following a shareholder vote, the fate of Apple’s DEI policy may come down to only one vote: that of President Trump’s.

Apple CEO Tim Cook gave a pragmatic response to the failed proposal during the shareholder meeting on Tuesday, per the BBC:

“As the legal landscape around this issue evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply, but our north star of dignity and respect for everyone and our work to that end will never waver,” Mr Cook said during a question-and-answer session at the company’s annual shareholder meeting. 

He noted that Apple did not use “quotas” for hiring – a practice that has come in for some of the fiercest criticism – while saying the firm’s strength came from a culture where “people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together”.

“We’ll continue to work together to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work,” he added, saying the company would remain “committed to the values that have always made us who we are”.

However, Cook’s view on creating a successful workplace with a 3.7-trillion-dollar market cap didn’t please the president. Posting on Truth Social a day later, Trump spat out an all-caps response that likened diversity, equity, and inclusion to malicious deception:

APPLE SHOULD GET RID OF DEI RULES, NOT JUST MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THEM. DEI WAS A HOAX THAT HAS BEEN VERY BAD FOR OUR COUNTRY. DEI IS GONE!!!

We’re not yelling, you’re yelling! From all-caps to red caps, Trump sure loves his caps. Anyway, President Trump, not one to let business leaders lead as they see fit, may dictate Apple’s corporate policy more than CEO Tim Cook would like if the company is forced to comply with new laws or executive orders. Set your expectations accordingly.

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