Following the industry-shaking news that NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is resigning on Thursday, US President Donald Trump has floated the idea that former Apple CEO Tim Cook should take over the job.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump wrote that there is “only one person” who can replace Hwang: Apple’s Tim Cook.
“Legend replaces legend!” he wrote.
Cook stepped down as Apple’s CEO on September 1, 2026 after running the company for 15 years, but remains deeply involved in the company. While John Ternas will become Apple’s CEO, Cook will transition to the role of executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors, continuing to engage with global policymakers and manage Apple’s international relations, including its relationship with China.
Mr. Trump is not the only one to suggest Mr. Cook as Mr. Hwang’s replacement. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean for leadership studies at the Yale School of Management, who studies CEO leadership and corporate governance, wrote an op-ed in Time on Wednesday suggesting Cook should be one of the potential candidates. He noted that Cook succeeded Apple founder Steve Jobs, writing that Cook has an “unparalleled track record of succeeding great founders.”
No one knows if President Trump agrees with this sentiment or if he just came up with an idea that popped into his head.
However, “Tim Nvidia” does not have the same ring to it as “Tim Apple.”
