Trump Threatens EU with Tariff Probe Over Google, Tech Fines

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to launch a tariff investigation against the European Union in response to the bloc's anti-competition fines and penalties imposed on American tech giants like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Meta. The move comes shortly after his administration implemented new tariffs on the EU and other nations.

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The European Union is at it again and, as usual, taking direct aim at GREAT American Companies!

Trump specifically referenced a recent fine of 890 million euros (approximately $1 billion) levied against Google for allegedly favoring its own search engine and Play app. He declared on his Truth Social platform that the EU was "at it again" and "taking direct aim at GREAT American Companies!" Trump alleged that these fines, which he claimed amounted to "over 18 Billion Dollars!" against Google without providing specific evidence or timeframe, were issued "for no reason at all" and "without explanation."

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The United States of America is not a 'PIGGYBANK' for Europe, nor will we allow it to be! Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that we will immediately initiate a 301 Investigation in the practice of 'ROBBING' American Companies and, in turn, the American Taxpayer.

He asserted that the United States is not a "PIGGYBANK" for Europe and announced an immediate "301 Investigation" into the EU's alleged "ROBBING" of American companies and taxpayers. This investigation, based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, is Trump's preferred method for imposing tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling that limited his previous broad levy authority. Trump warned that the EU "will pay a very big price for this illegal and highly unethical conduct," anticipating that penalties would be reversed and substantial tariffs imposed.

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The European Union will pay a very big price for this illegal and highly unethical conduct, which I have consistently warned them about. The penalties will be entirely reveresed and, we anticipate, a substantial TARIFF to be placed on them at the earlier moment. Stay tuned!

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer had previously criticized the EU's enforcement actions, stating they undermined "constructive dialogue" and posed a "real risk" to transatlantic trade stability. The EU and U.S. have engaged in ongoing disputes over trade practices, with this latest threat escalating tensions between the two economic powers.

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the EU's enforcement action undermined "constructive dialogue" and posed a "real risk" to transatlantic trade stability.