Following Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s resignation on Thursday, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Truth Social that Tim Cook, the former CEO of Apple, could replace him. In his post Trump wrote that “only one man” could take Huang’s place: Tim Cook of Apple, adding, “A Legend replaces a Legend!”
According to the information provided, Cook stepped down as Apple’s CEO on September 1, 2026, after leading the company for 15 years. John Ternus succeeded him as Apple’s CEO, while Cook moved into the role of executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors. In that capacity he remains involved in shaping international relationships and engaging with global policymakers, including matters related to Apple’s ties with China.
Trump is not the only person to raise Cook as a possible candidate for an Nvidia leadership role. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Senior Associate Dean for Leadership Studies at Yale School of Management and a scholar of CEO leadership and corporate governance, wrote in a Time op-ed published Wednesday that Cook should be among potential candidates. Sonnenfeld argued that Cook has an “unparalleled track record of succeeding a bigger-than-life founder,” referring to Cook’s succession of Apple founder Steve Jobs.
Whether Trump’s suggestion should be treated as a serious nomination or merely an offhand idea posted on social media remains unclear. Lighthearted reactions have also circulated online, including a joke that “Tim Nvidia” doesn’t have the same ring as “Tim Apple,” but such comments are tangential to the substantive question of an executive appointment.
Why this matters
A leadership change at a major technology company like Nvidia can have significant implications for markets and geopolitics. While Tim Cook’s experience is extensive, Apple and Nvidia have different business models and strategic priorities; determining Cook’s suitability for an Nvidia role would require a formal evaluation beyond public suggestions and opinion pieces.
