Donald Trump is the new President of the United States of America, even though no one expected it, and now many people involved in the technology sector are wondering how the government's relationship with big tech companies might change in the next four years.
Unfortunately, Donald Trump becoming President of the United States is not the best news for Silicon Valley, mainly because the Republican has criticized technology companies several times for manufacturing their products overseas, as in the case of Apple and its iPhone.
In addition, Trump has repeatedly “condemned” Apple and Microsoft for not cooperating with the US government in a series of highly controversial incidents such as the San Bernardino iPhone case (gang member) when the FBI asked Apple to hack the phone used in December 2015 by one of the shooters. Although Apple strongly opposed the request, saying that it provides complete access to the privacy of its customers, whoever they are, many members of the government accused it of endangering national security by protecting terrorists. Apparently Trump was among those who criticized Apple, pointing out in very harsh words that if he were to become President of the US, Apple would not have the right to do such a thing.
Donald Trump, however, owns millions of dollars worth of Apple stock, which of course hasn't stopped him from calling for people to boycott products made by Cupertino. The funny thing about the whole thing is that Trump tweeted about boycotting Apple from an iPhone.
It's no secret that big companies supported each other in the fight against the US government and made some decisions that directly affected Trump.
Microsoft, for example, declined to support the Republican National Convention with a cash donation earlier this year, choosing instead to contribute technology. Several organizations have called on other major companies, including Apple and Google, to follow Microsoft's lead, and understandably, Trump is none too happy about that.
Trump promised in his speech this morning that he will be the President of every American and will fight to make America great. US-based tech companies have said much the same and it is only a matter of time before differences arise, especially after January when Trump officially becomes the President of the United States!
