Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook to limit the company’s growing manufacturing operations in India, signaling a return to his "America First" rhetoric as the 2024 presidential election looms. In a series of public remarks and social media posts, Trump expressed concern over what he perceives as the outsourcing of American jobs and intellectual capital.

“Apple should be making products in the USA, not shifting more production to India,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “Tim Cook is a good guy, but we need to prioritize American workers. Manufacturing should come home.”

The remarks come amid reports that Apple is rapidly expanding its supply chain in India, partnering with local manufacturers such as Foxconn and Tata Electronics to produce iPhones and other devices. Analysts view this shift as part of Apple's long-term strategy to diversify away from China due to rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to industry data, India now accounts for approximately 7–10% of Apple’s global iPhone production, up from less than 1% five years ago. The company is reportedly aiming to increase that share significantly in the coming years, with plans for new assembly plants and increased investment in workforce training in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Trump, who has long criticized American companies for offshoring jobs, has renewed his focus on U.S. manufacturing as part of his re-election campaign platform. He claims that expanding tech production domestically would strengthen the American economy, reduce dependency on foreign nations, and create high-paying jobs for U.S. workers.

Political observers say Trump’s comments are likely aimed at rallying support from the Rust Belt and blue-collar voters, many of whom feel left behind by globalization and automation.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Apple has not issued a formal statement. However, sources close to the company say its decisions on global production are driven by logistical needs, access to skilled labor, and geopolitical risk management. “This isn’t about choosing India over the U.S.,” one insider noted. “It’s about building resilience into a complex global supply chain.”

Economists are divided on the feasibility of Trump's call. While some agree that incentivizing domestic production is essential for national security and economic stability, others argue that the U.S. lacks the necessary infrastructure, labor scale, and cost competitiveness to match countries like India or Vietnam in high-volume electronics manufacturing.

As the U.S. gears up for another presidential election, Apple and other American multinationals may find themselves increasingly caught between political pressure at home and strategic imperatives abroad.