TechFlow news, May 24 — What has Trump been up to in the past 24 hours? Three major strikes within 24 hours! Trump attacks three giants: Harvard kneels, Apple is in trouble, EU is stunned.
1. Threatens to tax Apple—Trump said on social media: "I told Tim Cook of Apple a long time ago that I want iPhones sold in the U.S. to be made and produced here in America, not in India or anywhere else. If not, Apple must pay at least 25% tariffs to the U.S." In a speech the same day, Trump also stated that tariffs would be imposed on Samsung and other iPhone manufacturers.
2. Plans to tax the EU—Trump posted on social media: "Our discussions with them (the EU) have gotten nowhere. Therefore, I propose imposing a direct 50% tariff on the EU starting June 1, 2025. No tariffs will apply if products are made or produced in the U.S." In a later statement, Trump added that he does not seek a deal with the EU, but might consider delaying tariffs if the EU starts shifting toward the U.S.
3. "Finishing blow" to Harvard: "Many students can't even do 2+2"—On May 23 local time, during an interview, Trump claimed, "Many Harvard students can't even do two plus two." When asked by a reporter why he doesn't want the world's brightest minds attending Harvard, Trump replied: "I guess so, but many of them need remedial math. You know, those students can't do basic arithmetic like two plus two, yet they get into Harvard."
