President Donald Trump has ignited a fresh trade war with the European Union, alleging that American tech giants are being unjustly taxed.
The former president took to Truth Social to vent about a multi-billion dollar fine imposed on Google by the EU, “effectively taking money that would otherwise go to American Investments and Jobs.”
Trump penned, “This is on top of the many other Fines and Taxes that have been issued against Google and other American Tech Companies, in particular. The news comes as Trump releases a three-word warning over second phase of Russia sanctions.
“They should get their money back!” Trump exclaimed. “We cannot let this happen to brilliant and unprecedented American Ingenuity and, if it does, I will be forced to start a Section 301 proceeding to nullify the unfair penalties being charged to these Taxpaying American Companies,” he further added.
Section 301
In his explosive rant, Trump revealed that he would start a Section 301 “proceeding to nullify the unfair penalties being charged to these Taxpaying American Companies.”
Section 301 refers to the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes the president to obtain the removal of any act, policy, or practice of a foreign government that violates an international trade agreement.
The Trump administration has used Section 301 in the past on China in March 2018 during his first term. This set off the devastating 2018 China-United States trade dispute.
EU orders Google breakup
EU regulators ordered Google to take drastic measures to stop “conflicts of interest” in the advertising technology supply chain, following an investigation that found the company had favored its own advertising services. The European Commission also ordered Google to end its “self-preferencing practices.”
Trump’s explosive threats have ignited new tensions between the EU and the U.S. after the nations agreed to a trade deal at the end of July to reduce American tariffs on imports from the EU.
Meanwhile, regulators have threatened to break up with Google, warning that past cases ending in fines and requirements for the company to stop its alleged anti-competitive practices haven’t worked. The EU announced that “only the divestment by Google of part of its services would address the situation of inherent conflicts of interest.”
Google fights back
However, Google will have the chance to share a proposal with the regulators that they will have to assess before taking any further action.
The company has 60 days to share its proposals with the Commission for an “appropriate remedy.” However, Google called the decision “wrong” and said that it would appeal.
“It imposes an unjustified fine and requires changes that will hurt thousands of European businesses by making it harder for them to make money,” said a spokesperson for Google.
The penalty comes after a 2021 investigation by the European Commission found that Google “abused” its top position in online advertising, favoring its own advertising at the expense of rival publishers.
“There’s nothing anticompetitive in providing services for ad buyers and sellers, and there are more alternatives to our services than ever before,” said Google in a statement.
Trump’s White House dinner praise
Trump’s defense of Google comes just a day after he fawned over co-founder Sergey Brin’s girlfriend at a White House dinner on Thursday.
During the gathering, the president addressed Brin directly, saying, “Sergey, you were saying a lot at the Oval Office. I figured you’re somebody that likes to speak with his really wonderful MAGA girlfriend.”
Brin’s girlfriend, Gerelyn Gilbert-Soto, laughed at the president’s comments before Trump asked if she “would like to say a few words?” Brin turned to her and asked, “Well, babe, do you want to say something?”
Gilbert-Soto seemed starstruck before eventually telling the president, “Truly every time I’m here or in your presence, I’m so grateful, so thank you. It’s like, I can’t believe it every time, like the inauguration here. I think you’re doing amazing work.
“Thank you very much,” said Trump.