Apple CEO Tim Cook will join a high-profile business delegation on Trump's upcoming trip to China next week, reports indicate. The May 14-15 visit marks Trump's first to China since 2017, with the president aiming to strengthen ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, USTR Jamieson Greer, and Ambassador David Perdue have been selecting executives for the diplomatic mission.

Cook, who plans to step down as CEO on September 1, 2026, will transition to executive chairman while maintaining Apple's top priority. Trump has previously expressed admiration for Cook, who has worked through two Trump presidencies. Cook donated $1 million to Trump's 2025 inaugural fund and gifted a gold plaque commemorating Apple's $600 billion U.S. investment pledge.

With Cook taking on expanded policy engagement roles, incoming CEO John Ternus can focus more on Apple's core operations and avoid the political scrutiny Cook has faced. Trump recently praised his relationship with Cook, calling himself "very impressed" with having Apple's leadership engage with him during his first term.