Apple CEO Tim Cook cut to the chase: “It’s 24-karat gold… I’ll take the liberty of setting it up.” “Wow,” a visibly captivated Donald Trump replied, as Cook assembled a unique gift for the US president—a custom-engraved glass piece from iPhone glassmaker Corning, set on a gold base.
This scene, which took place in the Oval Office, is one of many instances where global leaders and business magnates have gone to great lengths to win Trump’s favor. The Republican billionaire is known for his fondness for all things gilded, as seen in his office’s golden decor, and for seeing his name in bold lettering.
Cook, aware of these preferences, is also mindful of the need to maintain a good relationship with a head of state who has criticized Apple for not manufacturing its iPhones in the US and has threatened to penalize the company. In addition to pledging an extra $100 billion investment in the United States, Cook presented Trump with a gleaming, USA-made gift: a glass disk manufactured in Kentucky and designed by a former Marine Corps corporal who now works for Apple.
Prizes and Praise
In a more formal gesture, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, an honor the former real estate mogul and reality TV star believes he deserves for mediating various conflicts. In his letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Hun Manet lauded Trump’s “visionary and innovative diplomacy” and his “historic contributions in advancing world peace.” Similarly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, eager to maintain Washington’s support during the Gaza war, also nominated Trump, as did Pakistan. The Nobel announcement is anticipated in October.
These nominations come against the backdrop of Trump’s largely protectionist trade policies, which have imposed steep tariffs on allies and rivals alike. Some foreign leaders and tycoons appear to have understood the 79-year-old Trump better than others. For their late February White House talks, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer brought a letter from King Charles III, inviting Trump, a well-known fan of royalty, for an official visit. The Labour leader also visited the US president while he was on a quasi-holiday in Scotland and made a point of admiring two of Trump’s golf clubs.
Meetings and Gifts
Switzerland is one of the countries facing the highest tariffs, with nearly 60% of its exports to the US subject to a 39% levy. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter did not get a meeting with Trump during her emergency visit to Washington. In a Tuesday interview with CNBC, Trump remarked, “I did something with Switzerland the other day. I spoke to their prime minister (sic). The woman was nice, but she didn’t want to listen.”
In contrast, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a dual Swiss and Italian citizen, received a warm welcome at the White House. In March, the head of football’s global governing body presented Trump with the Club World Cup trophy, a massive golden sculpture that remained in the Oval Office for weeks. However, the most talked-about gift Trump received was from Qatar: a Boeing 747 to be refitted as Air Force One. Ignoring criticism from the Democratic opposition, Trump called it “stupid” for the US government not to accept the aircraft, which is valued at around $400 million, from the oil-rich Gulf state.
