Trump Threatens EU with Major Tariffs over Google Fine

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump on Friday (24/7) threatened the European Union with heavy tariffs and an investigation following the new fine imposed by the bloc on the American technology giant Google.

On Thursday (23/7), the European Commission imposed a fine of €890 million (around Rp18.2 trillion) on Google for allegedly violating the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), accusing the company of promoting its own services in search results and restricting app developers on Google Play.

“Hopefully this TRUTH will be proof that we will soon begin a Section 301 Investigation of the ‘shakedown’ practices against American companies and, in turn, against American taxpayers. The European Union will pay a very heavy price for this illegal and highly unethical behaviour, which I have repeatedly warned them about,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The new fine brings the total antitrust penalties imposed on Google by the European Union to more than US$18 billion (around Rp322.5 trillion).

Trump condemned the move as “illegal and highly discriminatory practice” that began during the administration of Joe Biden.

“However, it will not continue during the Trump administration. The United States is not Europe’s ‘piggy bank’ and we will not let it become so!” Trump said.

In March 2024, the European Commission opened an investigation into Google after the DMA, which regulates the activities of the largest digital platforms, came into force.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti