Trump says Apple can build iPhones in America and should

As new tariffs on Chinese imports take effect, former President Donald Trump is making it clear that he sees this moment as an opportunity to bring more high-tech manufacturing back to American soil—specifically, iPhone production.

Speaking through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump expressed strong belief that Apple has the workforce, infrastructure, and resources to assemble iPhones in the United States. Pointing to Apple’s $500 billion investment commitment across various U.S. initiatives, Leavitt framed the company’s footprint as proof that domestic iPhone assembly is within reach.

Trump's message goes beyond traditional manufacturing jobs. His administration is pushing for growth in advanced technology sectors, such as AI and hardware development—industries where Apple already plays a leading role. The idea is that Apple, as a global tech giant, could serve as a cornerstone in a broader shift toward high-skill, high-tech job creation in the U.S.

Still, Apple has yet to announce any plans to relocate iPhone assembly stateside. Its production remains concentrated in China, where an extensive, highly skilled supply chain has supported the iPhone for over a decade. Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously emphasized the complexity and scale of Chinese manufacturing infrastructure, which he says is not easily replicated.

Even so, Trump’s statements reflect a broader ambition: that companies like Apple could be key to reviving domestic manufacturing through both traditional and emerging industries. Whether Apple sees that vision as realistic or economically viable remains to be seen.