Donald Trump has extended invitations to some of the biggest names in tech — including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook — for a summit on China that will focus on global trade dynamics. The event, organized by the former president, aims to bring together top corporate leaders to discuss the future of U.S.-China economic relations.
Who made the cut
The guest list so far includes Musk and Cook, two of the most influential figures in American business. Musk leads Tesla and SpaceX, while Cook runs Apple, a company deeply reliant on Chinese manufacturing and markets. Both have navigated trade tensions before. Musk opened a Tesla factory in Shanghai; Cook has lobbied for lower tariffs on Chinese goods.
Other CEOs were also invited, though their names have not been disclosed. The summit is expected to include leaders from a range of industries affected by trade policy — from semiconductors to agriculture.
What the summit is about
The meeting is billed as a forum on global trade dynamics, but the subtext is clear: Trump wants to rally corporate support for a tougher stance on China. During his presidency, he imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in Chinese goods, sparking a trade war that rattled supply chains. The summit could signal a renewed push for similar policies if he returns to office.
For CEOs like Musk and Cook, the stakes are high. Both have business interests in China that could be threatened by escalating trade disputes. Apple gets a big chunk of its revenue from China, and Tesla relies on its Shanghai factory to produce vehicles for the Chinese market and for export.
The summit’s agenda remains under wraps. But the invitation alone is a reminder that trade with China is still a hot-button issue — and that Trump wants to keep it that way.
Neither Musk nor Cook has publicly said whether they will attend. Their decisions will be watched closely. If they go, it could give Trump’s trade message a boost. If they skip it, that will also send a signal.
