paulryanApple CEO Tim Cook plans to co-host a fundraiser for House Speaker Paul Ryan next week in an attempt to strengthen Apple's relationship with key Republicans, reports Politico. The announcement comes following news Apple has decided not to donate money and Apple products to the Republican National Convention, reportedly because of comments made by presumptive nominee Donald Trump.

Cook and Ryan will host a private breakfast on Tuesday, June 28 in Menlo Park alongside longtime Apple treasurer Gary Wipfler. Money raised will benefit Ryan and a fundraising committee that helps elect other House Republicans. Invitations were sent out today, and Politico was able to obtain one.

Cook is hosting the fundraiser on his own accord, as Apple does not have a corporate political action committee like Facebook, Google and other tech giants in Silicon Valley. Still, the move reflects Apple's desire to court Republican and Democratic officeholders alike, even at a time when it has serious reservations about Trump, the GOP's presumptive presidential nominee.

Over the weekend, Apple told Republican leaders it would not donate resources to the convention due to Trump's comments on women, immigrants, and minorities, despite having traditionally made donations to both the Republican and Democratic conventions.

HP has also announced that it will not provide funding, but Facebook, Google, and Microsoft have all agreed to provide support to the upcoming event. It is not clear if Apple will donate to the Democratic convention.

As Politico points out, Cook has made an effort to bolster relationships with both Democrats and Republicans in the past, with donations to Senators and Representatives from each party.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Top Rated Comments

Z400Racer37 Avatar
88 months ago
Oh great, just what we need in this country, more Crony Socialism...

You know, there was a time when Apple didn't lobby at all...

#GoodOlDays
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SteveJobs2.0 Avatar
88 months ago
For Tim Cook, money "trumps" social causes every time. I don't mind it really, it's what most business people do. I do, however, wish that the whole social issue PR campaign that is driven by Apple was less fake. It's just too obvious when they are doing things to appease the hipsters, eco lovers etc.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Peace Avatar
88 months ago
I'll say it.

Why.......
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
joueboy Avatar
88 months ago
Tim Cook need to exit Apple and pursue his dream to become a famous politician!
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
88 months ago
Can we just keep money out of politics?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BigJayhawk Avatar
88 months ago
Stay out of politics with our monetary support. I buy Apple products not Apple endorsements for whatever cause that Apple is NOT REALLY committed to. Hmm, 140+ countries where Apple sells products. I don't see them boycotting the Socialists or the world politicians with Human Rights violations do they??? Politics ONLY when convenient and not in the way of opening doors in China, et. all is not REALLY political stand to begin with.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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