Tim Cook Seems Determined to Keep Bruising Apple

For America’s brands, the second Trump administration has been a field of rakes lying in wait to give them black eyes. But unlike most rakes, these have big red flags telling you where they are. Which makes it even more surprising and disappointing that the purveyor of one of America’s shiniest and strongest brands keeps stepping on them.

Apple Inc. is one of this country’s flagship businesses. For the past 19 years, it has been the world’s most admired company, according to surveys of executives, directors and analysts by Fortune Magazine and the consulting firm Korn Ferry. For 13 years running, the iPhone maker has been the world’s most valuable brand as measured by the consulting firm Interbrand. It’s routinely considered one of the world’s best employers.