Tim Cook has just given a masterclass in how to manage Donald Trump

Apple made headlines around the world on Monday after announcing that as a result of a conversation between Tim Cook and Donald Trump it would be investing more than $500 billion in the United States over the next four years and creating thousands of jobs, in what looks like “a bet on America”.

But before we pop the champagne corks, let’s take a closer look. Bet on America? Is this really an innovative transformation, a strategic change of direction prompted by a combination of hefty tariffs, “smart” policies and Donald Trump’s awe-inspiring leadership, or is it simply another example of Apple’s ability to spin a good story, to use smoke and mirrors to boost the Idiot-in-Chief’s already sagging popularity?

On closer examination, it turns out that the company is talking about money either already spends or is earmarked. The figure includes everything from day-to-day activities with thousands of suppliers in all fifty states to the operation of its domestic data centers, as well as its investments in Apple TV+ and other projects already manufactured in the country. Revolutionary investment? No, it is simply more of what it already does.

In addition, the announcement includes mention of a new advanced manufacturing plant in Houston to produce servers that support Apple’s AI. As…