Is Trump Ready to Impose More Tariffs on the EU After Google's Fine?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump threatens tariffs in response to EU's Google fine.
- EU imposed a €2.95 billion fine on Google for anti-competitive practices.
- This marks the fourth fine Google has faced from the EU.
- Trump warns of potential Section 301 proceedings against the EU.
- Google plans to appeal the EU's decision.
Washington, Sep 6 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has issued a warning about the potential for increased tariffs on the European Union (EU) soon after the bloc imposed a hefty 2.95 billion euro fine, equivalent to $3.47 billion, on Google for infringing upon anti-monopoly regulations.
Immediately following the EU's ruling, Trump expressed his discontent on his Truth Social platform, stating, "Europe today 'hit' another great American company, Google, with a $3.5 Billion Dollar fine, essentially taking funds that could have been invested in American jobs and businesses... This is extremely unjust, and American taxpayers will not tolerate it!"
He continued, "As I have stated previously, my administration will NOT allow these biased actions to persist... I will be compelled to initiate a Section 301 proceeding to overturn these unjust penalties imposed on American taxpayers."
On the same day, the EU announced the fine, citing Google for exploiting its market dominance by favoring its own advertising services over competitors.
Additionally, the EU instructed Google to cease these practices immediately.
This marks the fourth occasion that Brussels has penalized the tech giant with a multibillion-euro sanction in an antitrust context.
Teresa Ribera, the European Commission's leading antitrust official, commented, "Today's decision illustrates that Google has misused its dominant position in the advertising technology sector, negatively affecting publishers, advertisers, and consumers alike."
Google has stated its intention to challenge this ruling.
The EU's strict enforcement of digital regulations has consistently been a topic during trade discussions with the Trump administration.
The EU revealed earlier on Friday that Google must pay a €2.95 billion ($3.45 billion) antitrust penalty for engaging in anti-competitive practices in its lucrative advertising technology sector, marking its fourth fine in a prolonged conflict with EU competition authorities.
Trump noted, "Google has previously incurred a total of $16.5 billion in penalties, including $13 billion for false claims and charges."
"How absurd is this? The European Union must cease these actions against American companies IMMEDIATELY!" Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.
A potential US investigation could significantly impact the EU, which recently established a challenging but contentious trade framework with the US this summer.
While all 27 EU member states approved the framework, many European leaders have expressed dissatisfaction, leaving the prospects of a long-term trade agreement with the US uncertain.