To The Moon

Apple has made a monumental move, announcing an additional $100 billion investment in the United States. President Donald Trump said Apple would be exempt from chip tariffs, removing a major cloud that had been hanging over the tech giant’s supply chain.

During a White House press conference to discuss Apple’s new US manufacturing plans, in a moment that mixed corporate diplomacy with symbolism, Apple CEO Tim Cook presented Trump with a “unique” piece of glass from iPhone glass manufacturer Corning that’s set in a 24-karat gold base. It was a gleaming reminder of Apple’s American manufacturing ties.

Tariff or Not, Apple’s Strength Endures While the tariff exemption is clearly good news, Apple’s success has never rested on policy breaks alone. The company’s brand power, loyal customer base, and tightly integrated ecosystem make it remarkably resilient to external shocks.

In my own experience, Apple’s appeal is everywhere. Despite its premium price tags, friends and relatives overwhelmingly use iPhones, MacBooks, and other Apple devices. These products aren’t just tools; they’ve become part of how people connect, work, and express themselves.

A Business That’s Hard to Replace Apple’s demand engine is uniquely difficult to duplicate. It’s not just about the hardware. It’s the seamless marriage of design, software, services, and retail experience. Competitors may match certain specs, but replacing Apple’s entire ecosystem is a much bigger challenge.

The Stock Question I’ve long admired Apple as a company and as a stock, though I’ve always hesitated to buy in, thinking the price was too high. Ironically, that has been true for years and yet Apple’s stock has continued to climb, defying skeptics.

Apple (AAPL)

One thing hasn’t changed: I still believe Apple is a great company. Whether tariffs loom or vanish, its fundamentals, innovation track record, and global appeal make it one of the most enduring forces in business today.