Trump launches probe into EU, threatens tariffs over Google fine

Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions with the European Union, announcing an investigation into EU trade practices and threatening new tariffs. The U.S. president views the recent fines against tech companies as a "raid" by Brussels on American taxpayers, stating that the U.S. is not Europe's "piggy bank."

The latest escalation stems from the EU Commission's 890 million euro fine against Google. The company was penalized for prominently displaying its own services in Google Search results, disadvantaging independent comparison services like Expedia and Idealo. These platforms allow users to compare and purchase flights, hotel rooms, and consumer goods.

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The United States is not a piggy bank for Europe.

Trump utilized his favored "Section 301" investigation tool, previously employed to re-establish tariffs after the Supreme Court invalidated earlier ones. This investigation process will involve the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative examining allegations of unfair trade practices. The accused party and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to respond before the Trade Representative presents findings and proposes countermeasures to the president.

This development signals a new phase of uncertainty in the trade dispute between the EU and the U.S., which had seen a period of relative calm. Trump's strong reaction suggests a potential for significant retaliatory measures against the EU.

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The European Union will pay a very high price for this illegal and highly unethical behavior.