Update: In a conference call with reporters, Apple responded saying, Trump’s call for Apple boycott puts the company in standing with other good people he has criticized
Okay, this may be my favorite “via Twitter for iPhone” gaffe yet. It’s Friday afternoon so presidential candidate Donald Trump has called for a boycott on all Apple products. His announcement follows this week’s FBI request that Apple help it unlock the San Bernardino gunman’s iPhone, which Tim Cook says would set a dangerous precedent.
Here’s the kicker: As news broke that Trump was calling for a boycott on Apple until it cooperates with the FBI, Donald Trump (or whoever manages his Twitter account) was tweeting a series of unrelated messages … from Twitter for iPhone.
We’ll keep an eye on Apple’s stock and see how this boycott request goes. In the meantime, best comment goes to chrisl84 with “Make encryption average again”.
As for Mr. Trump, my understanding is that these tweets from iPhone were sent while the presidential candidate was on stage at an event. My guess is senior advisor Dan Scavino might have been behind them (Trump often tweets via iPhone and Android) and the message wasn’t coordinated in time.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe9ydy_zwe8&start=45]
Former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who is also competing for the GOP’s nomination, has similarly expressed siding with the FBI in this situation, although his allegiance to Apple products appears strong.
Trump has since responded:
BREAKING: Trump calls for Apple boycott until $AAPL turns over info requested by FBI in the San Bernardino case.https://t.co/NBek87Ob6J
— CNBC Now (@CNBCnow) February 19, 2016
Since people started noticing Mr. Trump’s uncoordinated message, the presidential candidate has since moved over to Twitter for Android…
I use both iPhone & Samsung. If Apple doesn’t give info to authorities on the terrorists I’ll only be using Samsung until they give info.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2016
—
Boycott all Apple products until such time as Apple gives cellphone info to authorities regarding radical Islamic terrorist couple from Cal
Don’t forget…
can we boycott trump instead
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) February 19, 2016
Considering that Donald Trump picked a fight with the Pope yesterday, having him attack Tim Cook today isn’t too much of a surprise.
— Neil Cybart (@neilcybart) February 19, 2016
Donald Trump calls for boycott on successful mega corporation that is 0.5% of American GDP #makeamericagreatagain
— Stephen Hall (@stephenhall_) February 19, 2016
I would say Donald Trump should get a BlackBerry, but aren’t those manufactured in Mexico?
— Christina Warren (@film_girl) February 19, 2016
“Oh so NOW we’re all going Android?!” — Trump’s head of I.T.
— Gavin Purcell (@gavinpurcell) February 19, 2016
Oh Donald. Or perhaps just another politician playing both sides of the fence? https://t.co/QndKyVfMME
— Jersey Boy (@Gartenberg) February 19, 2016
This is the best endorsement Apple could ever hope for. https://t.co/pNprhMouET
— Aaron Levie (@levie) February 19, 2016
pic.twitter.com/B2OgLzez0U
— Jim Aley (@jimaley) February 19, 2016
Maybe this explains why close Trump ally and infamous Apple investor Carl Icahn (who Trump wants as Treasury Secretary) recently dumped millions of Apple shares.
Flashback from October, 2013: “Donald Trump demands larger iPhone screen” http://t.co/5CCg8p8N2O You’re welcome! Apple listened.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2014
As a stockholder in Apple, they should get on with a larger screen iPhone as a supplement—immediately.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 19, 2013
