Donald Trump shocked the world early on Wednesday when he was confirmed to be the winner of the US presidential election. His victory generated polarized responses, and some of those reactions were heard inside of Apple. Tim Cook sent out a memo to staff in response to Trump’s election, calling for unity while saying that Apple’s “North Star hasn’t changed” now that Trump will be president
DON’T MISS: T-Mobile is giving away Samsung Galaxy S7s in a blowout deal this weekend
“We have a very diverse team of employees, including supporters of each of the candidates,” he said. “Regardless of which candidate each of us supported as individuals, the only way to move forward is to move forward together. I recall something Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 50 years ago: ‘If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.’ This advice is timeless, and a reminder that we only do great work and improve the world by moving forward.
One thing that stands out in Cook’s memo is the emphasis on diversity inside of Apple. “Our company is open to all, and we celebrate the diversity of our team here in the United States and around the world — regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship or who they love,” the CEO said.
Apple may have reasons to be both excited and wary of the effects the Trump presidency will have on the tech sector. Trump’s tax policies may save Apple billions. On the other hand, Trump took a hard stance against Apple’s determined refusal to break the encryption of the iPhone, even if the device belongs to a known terrorist. Trump called for an Apple boycott during the FBI’s San Bernardino iPhone investigation earlier this year.
“|’ve always looked at Apple as one big family, and I encourage you to reach out to your co-workers if they are feeling anxious,” Cook said. “Let’s move forward — together! “
The full memo follows below.
Team,
I’ve heard from many of you today about the presidential election. In a political contest where the candidates were so different and each received a similar number of popular votes, it’s inevitable that the aftermath leaves many of you with strong feelings.
We have a very diverse team of employees, including supporters of each of the candidates. Regardless of which candidate each of us supported as individuals, the only way to move forward is to move forward together. I recall something Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 50 years ago: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” This advice is timeless, and a reminder that we only do great work and improve the world by moving forward.
While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apple’s North Star hasn’t changed. Our products connect people everywhere, and they provide the tools for our customers to do great things to improve their lives and the world at large. Our company is open to all, and we celebrate the diversity of our team here in the United States and around the world — regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship or who they love.
I’ve always looked at Apple as one big family and I encourage you to reach out to your co-workers if they are feeling anxious.
Let’s move forward — together!
Best, Tim
