Trump Threatens EU with Major Tariffs over Google Fine

US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened the European Union with major tariffs and an investigation over a new fine imposed on American tech giant Google. On Thursday, the European Commission fined Google 890 million euros (approximately Rp18.2 trillion) 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 evidence that we will soon begin a 301 investigation into the ‘shakedown’ practices against American companies and, in turn, American taxpayers. The EU will pay a very heavy price for this illegal and highly unethical behaviour, which I have repeatedly warned them about,” Trump said on Truth Social. The new fine brings the total antitrust penalties imposed by the EU on Google to more than 18 billion US dollars. Trump condemned it as an “illegal and highly discriminatory practice” that began under the Joe Biden administration. “However, it will not continue under the Trump administration. The United States is not a piggy bank for Europe and we will not allow it to become one!” Trump said. The European Commission opened an investigation into Google in March 2024 after the DMA, which regulates the activities of the largest digital platforms, came into force.