Donald Trump tells Apple to "get rid" of diversity programs after shareholders back them

Donald Trump has urged Apple to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, contrasting with Apple's shareholders who recently supported these initiatives. Despite Meta and Google already scaling back DEI endeavors following Trump's inauguration, Apple has been quieter in its response, with CEO Tim Cook reaffirming the company's commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, albeit with some potential adjustments as legal landscapes shift.

The National Center for Public Policy Research submitted a proposal for Apple to cease its DEI efforts, which was overwhelmingly voted down by shareholders. Similarly, a proposal at Costco was rejected, showing a trend of tech companies and their investors resisting calls to abolish DEI programs, even as legal action looms from Trump's administration and allies, such as the lawsuit against Target in Florida.

Amid the tensions, Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, which includes a new factory in Houston. This move received praise from Trump, who linked it to faith in his administration's work, although it highlights the balancing act companies like Apple face between political pressures and their established corporate values.