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

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

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.

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

 

[tjleonard]

This is sickening to me to spend any money on the current state of power struggles. I know it’s just been a little over a month, but an interest free loan to the government workers forced with no paycheck right now would go a lot further.

 

[fathergll]

Trump playing hardball because he secretly wants a new Mac Pro.

 

[thisisnotmyname]

It's smart, there's more at stake for Apple right now particularly with China trade relations.

 

[tjleonard]

It's smart, there's more at stake for Apple right now particularly with China trade relations.

I see what they’re doing it, but it’s sickening they spend any money on this administration.

 

[Pepe4life]

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

 

[BarredOwl]

Apple is directly charging their customers for the lobbying and tarrifs. So much winning!

 

[cwazytech]

Apple is directly charging their customers for the lobbying and tarrifs. So much winning!

Facts or Opinion? Links are welcomed.

 

[thisisnotmyname]

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.

 

[Plutonius]

It would be interesting to see if the lobbying had any affect ?

In some cases, I can see why Apple as a business would want to lobby but in others, I have no idea why.

 

[sunapple]

Trump playing hardball because he secretly wants a new Mac Pro.

I'm sure Trump can get most of his work done on his iPhone (Twitter).

 

[Plutonius]

Trump playing hardball because he secretly wants a new Mac Pro.

Along with everyone else who has been waiting on the redesigned Mac Pro.

After all the issues they are having, I doubt he would want a MacBook Pro .

 

[Pelea]

$6.6million, damn that’s almost enough money to buy a 16gb iPhone XS !!!

 

[Plutonius]

$6.6million, damn that’s almost enough money to buy a 16gb iPhone XS !!!

or buy some sharks with laser beams attached to their heads.

$6.6 million is nothing to Apple.

 

[udayan81]

In other words , Apple is having to pay higher to bribe these individuals.

 

[now i see it]

"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$.

 

[jamezr]

Facts or Opinion? Links are welcomed.

Apple is a very successful business...Like all businesses...anything they pay out as a business expense comes from the sale of the products and services they sell.

 

[jjhny]

If you want to see how it all works go to Washington DC and then look at all the office towers nearby and all the major corporations packed around that area. Why are they there? Because the Government spends the most money and is the most valuable entity to influence. All centralized power, throughout history, turns into a cesspit of corruption. It is the nature of things and worth understanding, instead of candy-unicorn utopia thinking.

 

[BenTrovato]

6.6 million in lobbying for an almost trillion dollar company. They should up the budget for lobbying for 2019

 

[yaxomoxay]

Lobbying in DC, not really news.
And only $6.6M ??!?!? Tim is really cheap!

 

[Mackinjosh]

Slide a few hamberders in the bags of cash and Dumdum In Chief will be more receptive.

 

[v0lume4]

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!

 

[Sasparilla]

"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$.

Very true, but important to realize paid lobbying didn't start until the 1970's - and the power of the business and the truly rich / powerful to write the laws has grown since then. At this point its completely corrupted the Federal Government (House / Senate law writing except for social issues) with both parties embracing it (although the Republicans are worse about it - Trumps 1st law being signed in to void FCC protections of citizens privacy from ISP monitoring and monetizing being a good example - the swamp in action).

 

[NinjaHERO]

It's so refreshing to hear that our government is still completely controlled by rich people and big corporations. Much better than letting us lower income folks have any power. /s

 

[JM]

Perhaps it is Apple recognizing the opportunity of their money being more effective under a conservative led government?

Said another way: they’ll get more done under this government, so they’re being opportunistic?