Apple pulls out from funding the US Republican National Convention — a break with tradition.

Donald Trump has previously called for a boycott on Apple products.Photo: AP

The company, along with other tech giants like Facebook, Google and Microsoft, usually contributes technology and funding to both the Republican and Democratic national conventions, where each party officially nominates their candidate for President.



Apple contributed just under $200,000 in MacBooks and other technology to each party's convention in 2008, and lent much technology in 2012.
Two sources told Politico that Apple privately communicated its political stance to Republicans, citing presumptive nominee Trump's comments on women, immigration, and minorities.


Trump has repeatedly courted controversy throughout his political run — proposing a ban on Muslim immigration, "some kind of punishment" for women who have abortions, and the killing of family members of terrorists.


Trump has also criticised the US tech industry repeatedly, including a call to boycott Apple products over the company's stance on encryption. Despite this call, Trump continued to use iPhones when sending tweets. Apple usually helps fund both the Republican and Democratic national conventions.Photo: Bloomberg


Silicon Valley generally leans somewhat left, particularly on immigration, as the industry relies on the availability of highly-skilled migrants.


Still, when it comes to actual funding, most companies split their contribution evenly, and other tech giants still plan on contributing in some way to the convention.


Microsoft has said it will donate computers and software to the convention, but will not directly fund the party, as it has in the past. Facebook has pledged financial and "other" support, while Google will operate the official livestream of the event.


Yet Apple is not alone among tech's heavy hitters: HP announced earlier in June that it would not help fund the Republican convention.


Apple refused to comment. It is not clear whether the company will still donate computers or funding to the Democratic National Convention.


Asked about Apple's absence, a GOP spokeswoman told Politico: "We are working with a variety of major tech partners who are focused on being part of the American political process