In an ideal world, you would be hired to do a job based on your skills and qualifications. But reality doesn’t always work that way. People have been denied jobs simply because of their race, gender, or nationality—whether due to unconscious bias or outright discrimination. This is why companies like Apple have created diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, but that’s something US President Donald Trump wants the company to get rid of.
Shareholders voting in favor of keeping it
The National Center for Public Policy Research drafted a proposal urging companies like Apple to ditch their DEI policies. Apple’s shareholders voted against the proposal. The company disclosed that an overwhelming 97% of outstanding shares that cast ballots voted in favor of keeping it.
According to the proposal, “DEI poses litigation, reputational and financial risks to companies, and therefore financial risks to their shareholders, and therefore further risks to companies for not abiding by their fiduciary duties.”
Apple actively urged shareholders to vote against the proposal. It also defended its DEI policies, claiming they contributed to the company’s success.
However, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that some adjustments might be necessary. During a Q&A session, he stated: “As the legal landscape around this issue evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply, but our north star of dignity and respect for everyone and our work to that end will never waver.”
Trump’s response
After Apple shareholders overwhelmingly voted to keep DEI policies, Trump took to Truth Social, posting in all caps: “Apple should get rid of DEI rules, not just make adjustments to them. DEI was a hoax that has been very bad for our country. DEI is gone!!!”
Since Trump took office, he issued an executive order to end DEI initiatives in the federal government and private sector. He claims that such policies “discriminate” against other Americans, including white people and men. Trump also says that these policies “weaken” the importance of merit when it comes to job hiring and promotions.
Apple now faces a difficult balancing act—sticking to its diversity policies while maintaining a working relationship with Trump’s administration. Apple has maintained a somewhat cordial relationship with Trump over the years. However, following his return to power, Apple finds itself having to balance what the company stands for and its future. The company recently made a pledge to invest $500 billion into the US market. This has been viewed as a way for Apple to stay on Trump’s good side and to avoid potentially paying high tariffs.
