President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the European Union on Friday, threatening retaliatory tariffs and a formal trade probe in response to a major antitrust fine levied against Google. Writing on Truth Social, the president described Brussels’ actions as unethical and illegal, promising to launch a Section 301 investigation into what he characterized as the exploitation of American corporations. He signaled that significant tariffs on the bloc could follow shortly.
This declaration arrived just one day after the White House implemented broad new duties ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent on 60 international trading partners, including the European Union. These measures utilize the Trade Act of 1974 to permit investigations into discriminatory foreign trade practices. Trump’s administration is currently working to reestablish his tariff framework following previous legal setbacks in the Supreme Court.
The controversy stems from a decision by the European Commission to fine Google 890 million euros—roughly $1 billion—for violating the Digital Markets Act. The penalty comprises two parts: 460 million euros for preferential treatment of Google services in search results and 430 million euros for restricting app developers from guiding users toward external, more affordable alternatives. While US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer argued that these enforcement actions threaten transatlantic stability, European tech chief Henna Virkkunen affirmed the bloc’s dedication to upholding its regulatory standards.
The dispute complicates the trade agreement established between Washington and Brussels last year, which aimed to prevent a wider trade war. As tensions rise, the situation serves as a critical test for the existing framework intended to stabilize economic relations between the US and the EU.
