The former president said he recently spoke to the Apple CEO about the roughly $15 billion in fines the EU issued against the company.

Riccio was a key player under Steve Jobs before Cook took over in 2011, and his departure represents one of the biggest changes since the 2019 exit of design guru Jony Ive. A larger shake-up still lies ahead. Many members of Apple's management team are nearing retirement age at the same time, including Cook, who turns 65 next year.

Donald Trump said Apple CEO Tim Cook called him to discuss the billions of dollars that Apple has been fined in the European Union. Trump made the statement during his appearance on the PBD Podcast — and said that he won’t let the EU “take advantage” of US companies like Apple if reelected.

The GOP candidate said the tech boss spoke to him about penalties Apple received from European Union regulators and courts.

The BBC has asked Apple for a response. Mr Trump told presenter Patrick Bet-David in his appearance on the PBD Podcast that Mr Cook had called him a few hours prior to complain ab