Apple CEO Tim Cook is under intense scrutiny following the leak of an internal memo addressing the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota over the weekend.
The private communication to Apple employees, which surfaced on multiple Apple news websites, has ignited a fierce debate.
In the unconfirmed letter, Cook reportedly urged employees toward “de-escalation” while revealing he had conducted a “good conversation” with President Donald Trump about the events unfolding in Minneapolis.
The memo included Cook’s statement that America reaches its peak strength “when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from, and when we embrace our shared humanity.”
Pretti, a nurse, was shot and killed Saturday during a targeted immigration enforcement action carried out by federal agents. According to the Department of Homeland Security, he was carrying a loaded handgun for which he possessed a legal permit.
The DHS reported that Pretti attempted to interfere when agents moved to detain a woman in the area.
The agency stated it was working to apprehend “an illegal alien wanted for violent assault” when Pretti approached officers.
Federal agents said shots were fired “defensively” after Pretti allegedly became violent during the encounter.
The DHS released an image of a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun recovered from the scene. According to the agency’s account, officers tried to disarm Pretti, but he “violently resisted” their efforts, leading a Border Patrol agent to discharge the fatal round.
Social media erupted with criticism directed at Cook for what many perceived as an inadequate response to the shooting.
One user on X labeled the memo “Exhibit A for weak leadership 101.”
Another critic suggested Cook should “focus on making the iPhone keyboard work well again” rather than weighing in on political matters.
The controversy deepened when critics highlighted Cook’s attendance at a White House screening of a documentary about first lady Melania Trump just hours after the Saturday shooting occurred.
“I wonder if he wrote that while waiting for the Melania doc to start at the White House,” one Reddit user posted, questioning the timing and sincerity of Cook’s response.
Multiple commenters expressed disgust at what they viewed as corporate pandering.
“Tim is appallingly pathetic. Disgraceful. I never put him or Apple on a pedestal, but my view of them has drastically changed,” one person stated.
The leaked memo also contained Cook’s acknowledgment of the emotional toll on Apple employees, stating he was “proud of how deeply our teams care about the world beyond our walls” and calling that empathy “one of Apple’s greatest strengths.”
Not all responses were negative, however. Some defended Cook’s measured approach, with one supporter writing the statement was “very well said” and handled “with grace and understanding.”
Another defender questioned what critics expected, asking whether they seriously wanted Cook to “call out the President, risking tariffs and brand reputation,” arguing this demonstrated why de-escalation was necessary.
Additional criticism emerged when social media users compared Cook’s Jan. 19 post honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with his current handling of the Pretti situation.
Cook had quoted King in both his X bio and recent tribute, praising the civil rights leader’s commitment to justice.
“You dishonor Dr King’s legacy every time you kiss Trump’s a**. For shame. You have no integrity,” one user replied to Cook’s MLK post.
Some critics have already called for boycotts of Apple products over Cook’s response.
One customer declared on X that Cook “needs to be removed as CEO of Apple” and vowed not to purchase future products if he remains in leadership.
