Trump claims Apple will build 3 ‘big big big’ plants in U.S.

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Peter Thiel separates Tim Cook and Donald Trump at tech summit.
Peter Thiel separates Tim Cook and Donald Trump at tech summit.
Photo: Sean Spicer/Twitter

Apple plans to build new manufacturing plants in the United States, according to President Donald Trump.

In a recent interview, Trump claimed Apple CEO Tim Cook promised to help revitalize American manufacturing by building “three big plants, beautiful plants.” Trump didn’t say what the plants would be used for or where they would be located. But he swears they’re coming.

“I spoke to [Mr. Cook], he’s promised me three big plants — big, big, big,” Trump said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “I said you know, Tim, unless you start building your plants in this country, I won’t consider my administration an economic success. He called me, and he said they are going forward.”

Designed in Cupertino, Made in USA?

Apple came under fire from Trump during his presidential campaign. Trump called for a boycott on iPhones because they are assembled in China. (His push for an Apple boycott proved short-lived after he was seen tweeting from an iPhone.)

If Apple plan to build three yuuuuge plants in the United States, it’s unclear what they would be used for. iPhone assembly would be a nearly impossible task with the current U.S. workforce. An Apple car factory could be possible, as could manufacturing centers for other Apple accessories.

Last May, Cook revealed a new $1 billion fund Apple created to invest in U.S. manufacturing jobs. Corning, maker of the Gorilla Glass used in iPhones, became the first recipient of an Apple investment.

During the interview, Trump also claimed Foxconn plans to build a big plant in Wisconsin. Pennsylvania was also rumored to be one of the possible locations.

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