Apple Continued to Spend Near-Record Amounts of Money Lobbying the Trump Administration in 2018

Apple spent $6.6 million on lobbying the U.S. government in 2018, after spending a record $7.1 million in 2017, according to disclosure forms (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) filed with the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.

tim cook trump
Apple's lobbying expenses have increased significantly since the Trump administration assumed office two years ago, with the iPhone maker spending more than ever before to influence the current government on issues such as privacy, education, climate change, trade, immigration, tax reform, and patent reform.

The largest amount Apple ever spent on lobbying Obama's administration in a single year was $4.6 million in 2016, his last year in office.

Apple also lobbied the government on the development of autonomous vehicle technologies, regulation of mobile medical applications, and distribution of video programming, hinting at some of the company's upcoming products and services, such as its widely expected streaming TV service later this year.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has maintained a civil relationship with Trump, but he has disagreed with some of the President's policies and actions as it relates to immigration, trade agreements with China, and beyond.

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Top Rated Comments

Pepe4life Avatar
85 months ago
I see what they’re doing it, but it’s sickening they spend any money on this administration.
This administration is doing a great job. Unemployment rate is at a record low, especially for African Americans and hispanics. But go on, keep yelling ORANGE MAN BAD
Score: 68 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fathergll Avatar
85 months ago
Trump playing hardball because he secretly wants a new Mac Pro.
Score: 38 Votes (Like | Disagree)
now i see it Avatar
85 months ago
"Lobbying" is just a polite word for bribing to make it sound legit. But that's what it is. That's how govt in the USA work$.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
v0lume4 Avatar
85 months ago
This administration is doing a great job. Unemployment rate is at a record low, especially for African Americans and hispanics. But go on, keep yelling ORANGE MAN BAD
Shh! They don't want that factual information! Get it out of here! :P
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thisisnotmyname Avatar
85 months ago
I see what they’re doing it, but it’s sickening they spend any money on this administration.
You realize that spending money with lobbying firms isn't the same as handing Trump a check, right? Not that I'm a big fan of lobbyists enriching themselves but you seem to be conflating the two concepts.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pelea Avatar
85 months ago
$6.6million, damn that’s almost enough money to buy a 16gb iPhone XS !!!
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)