President Trump on Friday slammed the European Union’s (EU) fines against major U.S. tech firms as “discriminatory actions” and threatened to open a trade investigation, opening the door to additional tariffs.
Trump lashed out at the European bloc after it imposed a $3.5 billion fine against Google for violating antitrust rules, accusing it of “effectively taking money that would otherwise go to American Investments and Jobs.”
“Very unfair, and the American Taxpayer will not stand for it!” the president wrote on Truth Social. “As I have said before, my Administration will NOT allow these discriminatory actions to stand.”
He pointed to the EU’s previous fines against Apple and Google, threatening to start a Section 301 proceeding, which allows the U.S. to investigate and respond to unfair trade practices.
“The European Union must stop this practice against American Companies, IMMEDIATELY!” he added in a separate post.
The EU reportedly held off on fining Google earlier this week amid concerns about how Trump would respond, particularly as it has awaited a U.S. announcement cutting auto tariffs.
Reuters reported the delay was caused by EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic, who raised questions about the decision.
Late last month, Trump threatened to impose additional tariffs on and restrict chip sales to countries who impose “discriminatory” digital rules or taxes on U.S. tech companies.
“Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology,” he wrote, seemingly taking aim the EU’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act.
“America, and American Technology Companies, are neither the ‘piggy bank’ nor the ‘doormat’ of the World any longer,” Trump added. “Show respect to America and our amazing Tech Companies or, consider the consequences!”
