California attorney general prepares to defend Apple against Trump’s tariffs

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is considering filing a lawsuit against the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump over his threat to impose tariffs on iPhones manufactured outside the country.

Protecting Apple’s rights

Rob Bonta explained his position in an interview with Politico. He emphasized that Apple is the largest company based in California and its contribution to the state’s economy cannot be underestimated. The attorney general noted that President Trump, by demanding that Apple move iPhone production to the U.S., is effectively threatening one of California’s largest taxpayers.

The attorney general said that Apple’s demand for Apple to move iPhone production to the U.S.

“It’s almost as if [Trump] woke up in the morning and said: «Hey, I think Apple should assemble more phones in the U.S. instead of other countries» and then changed his mind the next day. We’re proud of California companies and we want to protect their rights, especially from the actions of the president of the United States, which is something you don’t normally have to do,” Bonta said.

Possible implications of the tariffs for Apple and the market

Trump previously said on his Truth Social platform that he expects Apple to manufacture iPhones exclusively in the U.S., not in India or other countries. He threatened to impose tariffs of 25% or higher on all iPhones manufactured overseas and imported into the country. In response to the possible tariffs, analysts are warning of a sharp rise in the price of Apple products.

According to Dan Ives, head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, if Apple moves production to the U.S., the cost of an iPhone could reach $3500. “Put that supply chain together in the U.S., open up factories in West Virginia and New Jersey, and you get a $3,500 iPhone,” Ives said.

Apple has not yet commented on the situation

Apple has not yet issued any official statements on Trump’s threats. Bonta emphasized that he would review Trump’s tariff policy to make sure it doesn’t target California companies. That said, Trump later said the tariffs would not only affect Apple, but other electronics makers, including Samsung.

At the same time, he said the tariffs would not only affect Apple, but also other electronics makers, including Samsung.

The California attorney general prepares to defend Apple against Trump’s tariffs was first published on ITZine.ru.