India’s government has mandated that smartphone manufacturers preload a cyber safety app, Sanchar Saathi, onto all devices, a move intended to track and block stolen phones. While the telecom ministry frames this as a security measure, the directive has sparked privacy concerns and political opposition, with critics viewing it as potential government surveillance. Apple, however, plans to resist this mandate, citing privacy and security issues inherent to its iOS ecosystem and will communicate its concerns to New Delhi. Other manufacturers like Samsung are reviewing the order, which was implemented without industry consultation, while Apple faces an ongoing antitrust penalty dispute with an Indian watchdog.
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Apple has removed two popular gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its China app store due to an order from Chinese authorities, a company spokesperson confirmed. This action has sparked concerns within the LGBT community, despite a “lite” version of Blued remaining available. Apple operates a separate app store in China to comply with the country’s strict internet regulations. The BBC has reached out to the Chinese embassy and the apps’ developers for further comment.
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The White House unveiled a list of 37 donors funding the new ballroom construction project, following the demolition of the East Wing. The project’s cost has escalated to over $300 million, with President Trump stating it would not use taxpayer money. Donors include major tech companies like Meta and Apple, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, and various private and family donors. The donations will be made to the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall, but the specific donation amounts for all individuals and organizations were not revealed.
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Google followed Apple’s lead by removing apps from its online store that facilitated anonymous reporting of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Apple’s decision, prompted by Attorney General Pam Bondi, cited safety risks associated with apps like ICEBlock that tracked law enforcement. The removal followed a shooting at a Dallas ICE facility where the attacker had researched apps for tracking ICE agents, resulting in fatalities. Both companies prioritized user safety and the protection of law enforcement in their decisions.
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President Trump threatened Apple with at least a 25% tariff on iPhones sold in the U.S. unless they are manufactured domestically, not in India or elsewhere. This directly opposes Apple’s plan to shift iPhone production to India to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China. Trump’s statement caused Apple’s shares to drop and disrupts Apple’s goal of sourcing most of its U.S. iPhone supply from India by the end of next year. Despite this, Trump claims Apple will increase US production.
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Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Apple iPhones unless they’re manufactured in the US is a move that’s sparked considerable debate and controversy. The sheer audacity of singling out a specific company for such a punitive measure raises serious questions about the fairness and legality of the action. This isn’t just about trade policy; it smells strongly of extortion, a blatant attempt to leverage a company’s economic success for personal or political gain.
The logistical nightmare of shifting iPhone production to the US is staggering. It wouldn’t just involve building new factories; it would necessitate a complete overhaul of the intricate global supply chain that has taken decades to establish.… Continue reading
President Trump reiterated his demand that Apple manufacture iPhones sold in the U.S. domestically, threatening a 25% tariff on any iPhones not made in the United States. This threat follows previous statements urging Apple to abandon Indian manufacturing plans in favor of U.S.-based production. The president’s assertion is that Apple’s Indian investments contradict his understanding of India’s tariff commitments to the U.S. Failure to comply with this demand would result in significant import tariffs for Apple.
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President Trump recently spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging him to prioritize US production over expansion in India. Trump cited India’s high tariffs as a reason to discourage Indian manufacturing, contrasting this with a proposed tariff-free deal offered by India to the US. Despite this, Apple plans to significantly increase iPhone production in India by 2026 to mitigate potential Chinese tariff increases. Trump’s request reflects a broader effort to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on other nations.
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This episode of The David Frum Show commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, contrasting the postwar American legacy of reconciliation with Donald Trump’s recent boastful statement. A discussion with Anne Applebaum follows, focusing on the Trump presidency’s corruption and its authoritarian tendencies to undermine institutions. Finally, listener questions are addressed, covering topics such as fostering political dialogue among high schoolers, the absence of a strong worker-based movement in the US, and the risks of data suppression under the Trump administration. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolution of Frum’s conservative values within the shifting political landscape.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood