Though Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO, he’ll continue to play the role of Apple's 'Trump whisperer.' His tenure has seen him navigate complex relationships with policymakers and manage the delicate balance between Apple's interests in various markets and political landscapes.

Cook’s involvement with Trump has often placed him in awkward situations: from showing off factories during visits, to presenting gifts at the White House. These efforts have largely paid off for Apple; he managed to secure exemptions from tariffs on iPhones during Trump’s first term.

However, Cook's charm hasn't always worked as smoothly under the Biden administration. The Justice Department filed a major antitrust lawsuit against Apple, and the company faced criticism over app store age verification challenges.

With John Ternus taking over as CEO, Cook will still be pivotal in addressing significant policy issues such as AI regulation and app store standards. His role is likely to be just as crucial as ever, though perhaps less in the spotlight.