Tim Cook emails all employees to call for unity after divisive presidential election

Following the conclusion of an extremely divisive presidential election, Apple CEO Tim Cook has sent an email to all employees calling for unity and for people to move forward together. As Buzzfeed noted, Cook does not reference the president-elect by name.

Cook’s email also reiterates Apple’s own values …

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

Apple’s relationship with Trump has so far been a frosty one. Trump called for a boycott of Apple products following the company’s refusal to create a GovOS version of iOS for the FBI. Apple responded by stating that being criticized by Trump ‘puts the company in standing with other good people.’ Apple also decided to withhold its usual financial and technological support for the GOP convention following its selection of Trump as party nominee.

Cook and Trump do have one thing in common, however: they both want tax reform that would make it cheaper for the company to repatriate overseas earnings. Cook has repeatedly called for this, and Trump has pledged to reduce taxes on repatriated income from 35% to 10%.

Photo: Time