In a recent Oval Office press conference, President Donald Trump experienced a humorous hiccup when he struggled to silence his ringing phone during a discussion on nuclear energy. This moment was yet another reminder of the 78-year-old president’s ongoing challenges with technology.
While addressing the impact of his tariffs on imported goods—which have already led to price hikes for American consumers—Trump’s iPhone made an unexpected appearance. “Oh, it’s a phone call, do you mind?” he quipped while attempting to handle the distraction.
Trump humorously noted, “Okay, it’s only a Congressman,” as he set the phone face-down on his desk. When a reporter inquired about who was calling, Trump teased them by stating he would reveal it but then didn’t.
Less than ten seconds later, the phone rang again. With a baffled expression, Trump exclaimed, “It’s a different Congressman.” He seemed to have slightly better luck silencing his phone on this attempt, pushing the side buttons while again refraining from naming the caller.
Curiously, there’s a long-standing notion that Trump has never actually sat in front of a computer for work. An investigation by Gizmodo back in 2016 questioned this very possibility. Trump prefers to dictate his tweets throughout the day while only posting them late at night. Reports also surfaced during the 2022 court trials regarding his various legal issues, revealing that he doesn’t use email or text messages.
“President Trump does not email. He does not text message. And he has no work computer at home or anywhere else,” stated his personal attorney, Alina Habba, to a New York court, now serving as the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
In a world increasingly influenced by technology, Trump often appears bewildered. During a publicity event for Elon Musk’s Tesla cars this past March, he famously remarked, “Everything’s computer,” highlighting his struggle to grasp the digital age.
Trump’s relationship with technology extends into other areas, particularly cryptocurrencies. Initially dismissive of bitcoin, he quickly pivoted when he recognized the potential for significant profits. Notably, he recently hosted a dinner for major buyers of his own cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, raising eyebrows regarding appropriateness.
This week, Trump issued threats of a 25% tariff on Apple for moving production to India. He suggested this tariff would likely take effect “at the end of June,” dismissing concerns about the feasibility of moving factories to the U.S. as everything is now automated. When asked how Apple could maintain affordability in the U.S., Trump confidently stated, “A lot of it’s so computerized now. These plants are amazing if you look at them.”
This statement contradicts his usual arguments advocating for companies to relocate to American soil supposedly for job creation. It becomes evident that Trump’s understanding of modern economies is somewhat flawed. He frequently associates trade deficits with direct cash handouts to other countries, which is not an accurate interpretation.
Trump expressed frustration with Apple CEO Tim Cook, claiming he had an understanding about relocating plants. He insisted, “I said, that’s okay to go to India, but you’re not going to sell into here without tariffs. And that’s what it is.”
Perhaps a more amicable approach toward Cook could help the president learn how to silence his phone during crucial meetings.
Why does Trump struggle with modern technology?
Trump’s challenges with technology are well-documented and seem to stem from his preference for traditional communication methods. His reliance on dictating tweets and complete avoidance of emails are notable examples.
What are the implications of Trump’s tariffs on Apple?
Trump’s proposed tariffs on Apple could significantly raise production costs, affecting the pricing of products sold in the U.S. market and potentially harming American consumers.
How does Trump’s communication style impact his leadership?
Trump’s unconventional communication style and limited tech skills sometimes lead to confusion, possibly undermining his effectiveness as a leader, especially during important announcements.
Why did Trump shift his stance on cryptocurrencies?
Trump’s change of heart regarding cryptocurrencies highlights the lucrative potential he saw, which likely influenced his public opinion, shifting from skepticism to support once financial benefits became apparent.
In conclusion, the intersection of technology and politics often yields intriguing moments. Whether it’s tariffs, technology mishaps, or strategic decisions, there’s always more to explore. Dive deeper into related topics at Moyens I/O for additional insights and analysis.
