Trump says the US will investigate EU trade practices, claiming the bloc unfairly fined tech giants - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reported from Washington that President Donald Trump said Friday the United States will begin a formal investigation into European Union trade practices, arguing that the bloc has unfairly penalized major American technology companies. Trump pointed to fines against Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon and others, saying in a social media post that the U.S. would not allow Europe to treat American companies as a revenue source.

The announcement came one day after the EU imposed an 890 million euro, or about $1 billion, fine on Google. According to AP, European regulators said Google violated digital antitrust rules by using Google Play and its search engine to push users toward its own services and apps, disadvantaging competitors. Trump claimed the penalties should be reversed and warned that a significant tariff on the EU could follow.

AP reported that the investigation follows new Trump administration tariffs on imports from more than 60 countries and is being pursued under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a law that allows U.S. action against trade practices deemed unfair or discriminatory. A Google spokesperson said the company has tried to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act and appreciates engagement from the U.S. government. AP said Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The dispute adds to long-running tensions between Washington and Brussels over regulation of large technology firms. The EU has positioned its digital rules as protections for competition and consumer choice, while U.S. officials and tech companies have often argued that the measures disproportionately affect American businesses.