Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks out on Minneapolis ICE shootings; tells employees: I believe America is…
Apple CEO Tim Cook has broken his silence on the Minneapolis shootings, telling employees he’s “heartbroken” that left two people dead at the hands of federal immigration agents, telling employees he’s “heartbroken” and believes America must live up to its highest ideals. In an internal memo sent Tuesday, as obtained by Bloomberg, Cook revealed he discussed the situation with US President Trump earlier this week.The memo comes as Cook faces mounting criticism for his proximity to the Trump administration. On Saturday, just hours after ICE agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti—an intensive care nurse at the US Department of Veterans Affairs—Cook was spotted at a VIP screening of the “Melania” documentary at the White House.
CEO says he shared views with Donald Trump
“This is a time for de-escalation,” Cook wrote in Tuesday’s message to staff. “I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from.”
Cook said he had a “good conversation” with Trump where he shared these views, though he didn’t specify the president’s response or any commitments made. “I appreciate his openness to engaging on issues that matter to us all,” he added.The Apple chief has maintained close ties with the Trump administration since the president’s re-election, becoming a regular fixture at White House events and policy briefings. Trump has frequently praised Cook in public speeches.Minneapolis has become a flashpoint for immigration enforcement tensions. Pretti’s killing on Saturday followed another fatal ICE shooting on January 7, when agents killed 37-year-old poet Renée Good in the same city. Cook acknowledged the emotional toll on his workforce, praising their empathy as “one of Apple’s greatest strengths.”
Read Apple CEO Tim Cook’s memo to employees
Team,I’m heartbroken by the events in Minneapolis, and my prayers and deepest sympathies are with the families, with the communities, and with everyone that’s been affected.This is a time for deescalation. I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from, and when we embrace our shared humanity. This is something Apple has always advocated for. I had a good conversation with the president this week where I shared my views, and I appreciate his openness to engaging on issues that matter to us all.I know this is very emotional and challenging for so many. I am proud of how deeply our teams care about the world beyond our walls. That empathy is one of Apple’s greatest strengths and it is something I believe we all cherish.Thank you for all that you do.Tim
