08.09.202501:50:17UTC+00Trump Threatens EU Over Google Fine, Signals Trade Retaliation

President Donald Trump has issued a warning of a potential tariff investigation targeting the European Union in response to its imposition of a $3.5 billion fine on Google for violating digital competition regulations. In a statement via social media, Trump criticized the penalties as "very unfair," stating that "the American taxpayer won't stand for it," and asserted that his administration "won't allow these discriminatory actions to stand." This warning hints at a possible trade conflict and may serve as a contingency plan should the Supreme Court rule against the administration's application of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for imposing broad tariffs. The EU’s digital service tax, which plays a crucial role in addressing the bloc's fiscal deficit, has faced opposition from the U.S., partly in an attempt to dissuade other countries, such as South Korea, from implementing similar policies.