Trump Rips EU’s $3.5B Google Fine, Threatens Trade Action

President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the European Union"s recent decision to impose a $3.5 billion fine on Google, labeling it a discriminatory attack on American companies. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the EU is targeting U.S. tech giants and referenced a previous $17 billion fine on Apple as another instance of unfair penalties against American firms.

Trump"s remarks come in the wake of the EU"s ongoing crackdown on major tech companies, which he argues undermines American jobs and innovation. He stated that the cumulative fines against Google alone total $16.5 billion, a move he deems detrimental to the U.S. economy. The president warned that his administration would not tolerate such actions and threatened to initiate a Section 301 trade investigation to "nullify the unfair penalties" if the EU persists in its actions.

This escalation of tensions follows a pattern of increasing scrutiny from European regulators on American technology firms. The EU has previously imposed hefty fines on companies like Google and Apple, which have raised concerns among U.S. officials about the impact on bilateral trade relations.

As the situation develops, Trump"s administration is considering further actions to protect American interests. He has urged the EU to cease its "crazy" targeting of U.S. companies and called for Apple to be refunded its $17 billion fine. This exchange highlights the ongoing friction between the U.S. and EU regarding regulatory practices and their implications for transatlantic trade.