Gavin Newsom says Cook’s dealings with Trump ‘break his heart’

At The New York Times’ DealBook Summit today, California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the tech sector’s deference to the Trump administration, and discussed Tim Cook’s overtures to the president. Here’s what he said.

‘Do I begrudge that? Yes. But do I begrudge him? Not as much’

In a room full of industry leaders, Newsom criticized the tech sector’s willingness to bend the knee to the Trump administration, joking that many in the room would need to buy knee pads in bulk, in reference to a video he published on social media a few weeks ago.

When the topic turned to Tim Cook and the infamous trophy he presented to Trump at a meeting in the Oval Office earlier this year, Newsom admitted he understands the pressure that Cook is under, given the company’s reliance on China, and turned his criticism toward what he called the administration’s “crony capitalism”:

“He was able to make a phone call that no small business in my state could’ve made. I mean, how about my farmers and ranchers in California? How about all the small, medium-sized businesses that can’t pick up the phone, and get an exemption on their tariffs? So, yeah, it breaks my heart a little bit. That is a version of crony… That is by definition crony capitalism. (…) But back to the generous analysis. That’s called being a fiduciary. Doing what he needs to do on behalf of his shareholders. That’s his job. So do I begrudge that? Yes. But do I begrudge him? Not as much. But what I do begrudge is the tone and tenor that this administration has set. And the expectations they’ve set, that if you don’t do the bidding, if you don’t write the check, you don’t get the contract.”

Newsom’s remarks weren’t just to single out Cook, but rather to address the overall situation that the tech sector, in particular, finds itself in.

You can watch Newsom’s full interview below: