Apple CEO Tim Cook said ‘thank you’ 8 times in less than 2 minutes during Trump's White House AI dinner, viral video reveals details

Tim Cook

A short video from a White House dinner has gone viral, and it’s not because of the guest list or the grandeur of the event. Instead, it’s Apple CEO Tim Cook’s repeated gratitude that has caught the internet’s attention.

The dinner, hosted by then US President Donald Trump, brought together top technology leaders. During the event, Trump publicly praised Cook for his work at Apple, calling it an “incredible job with the little company called Apple.” To this, Cook responded politely, “Thank you, Mr. President.”

What followed was a series of acknowledgements that viewers counted closely. In less than two minutes, Cook reportedly said “thank you” at least eight times. Social media users were quick to point it out, making the clip widely shared online.

Cook’s longer remarks also revolved around appreciation. He thanked Trump for inviting him to the dinner, praised the president and the First Lady for setting a tone that allowed Apple to make big investments in the US, and acknowledged the administration’s role in supporting American companies abroad. He even thanked the First Lady for her focus on education, calling it “the great equaliser.”

The repeated expressions of gratitude did not go unnoticed by the audience. Many found it unusual, while others saw it as Cook’s way of maintaining diplomacy in a high-profile political setting.

The conversation also touched upon Apple’s financial commitments in the United States. Trump directly asked Cook about the company’s investment plans, to which the Apple CEO responded, “$600 billion.” Trump himself replied with a “thank you,” and Cook once again echoed back with more thanks.

The exchange quickly turned into a lighthearted moment online, with users joking about Cook’s politeness and some even editing clips to highlight the rapid succession of “thank yous.”

While the dinner was meant to discuss serious issues like investment and innovation, the viral video shows how small moments can sometimes steal the spotlight. Cook’s gratitude-filled remarks may have been a gesture of respect, but for the internet, they became an amusing reminder of how quickly repeated words can stand out.