Trump urges Apple to get rid of DEI programs: Very bad for our country

President Trump said Wednesday that Apple should “get rid of DEI rules” – one day after the iPhone maker’s shareholders rejected a conservative-backed effort to eliminate the programs.The Cupertino, Calif.-based company’s leadership opposed efforts to end DEI – or diversity, equity and inclusion – even as fellow Big Tech giants like Meta and Google cut the programs, which the Trump administration has heavily criticized.“APPLE SHOULD GET RID OF DEI RULES, NOT JUST MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THEM.DEI WAS A HOAX THAT HAS BEEN VERY BAD FOR OUR COUNTRY.

DEI IS GONE!!!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.Apple did not immediately return a request for comment.Trump’s post appeared to be a direct response to remarks at the shareholder meeting by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who acknowledged the company could adjust its DEI plans even as he expressed support for the initiatives.“As the legal landscape around these issues evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply, but our North Star of dignity and respect for everyone and our work to that end will never waver,” Cook said.A shareholder group called the National Center for Public Policy Research had called on Apple to eliminate DEI initiatives, arguing that the company could face legal liability due to the Trump administration’s effort to crack down on them.“The risks to Apple stemming from continuing to push these divisive and value-destroying agendas is only increasing in light of President Trump’s recent executive order focusing the Department of Justice on rooting out illegal discrimination being carried out in the name of DEI,” NCPPR Executive Director Stefan Padfield said at the meeting, according to CNBC.“The vibe shift is clear.DEI is out, and merit is in,” Padfield added.Apple pushed back on the proposal, arguing it was already in compliance with the relevant labor laws.Trump targeted Apple just two days after the company committed to spend $500 billion toward the US economy and hire ...