Trump Warns Tariffs Over Digital Taxes
The State Department would not confirm nor deny punitive action. A representative only said that Washington is concerned
This month, Reuters revealed that the Trump administration directed American diplomats in Europe to lobby against the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Photo/ Reuters
By Juliet Jerotich
Donald Trump warned countries that have instituted digital taxes on Monday. He said that if they did not abandon such practices, their exports to America would face new tariffs. He also said that American technology and chips could face export controls to such countries.
Trade rules are often the subject of disputes, but punishing foreign leaders for them is not typical. Washington-EU tensions are already high. The United States has threatened tariffs, condemned EU treatment of U.S. tech companies, and fared poorly in talks.
This month, Reuters revealed the Trump administration asked American diplomats in Europe to urge against the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The goal is to push for amendments or even the repeal of the legislation.
The DSA aims to create a more secure online space. The huge tech companies are forced to deal with hazardous content such as hate speech and child abuse material. The U.S., however, asserts the law places unequal restrictions on free speech. Washington argues it increases censorship in the guise of combating misinformation and disinformation.
At the beginning of August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed diplomats to raise these matters regularly. He encouraged them to converse with European governments and internet regulators regarding American companies taking the hit. Previously, a few months prior, Rubio had threatened visa action against officials who were accused of muffling U.S. voices, especially on social media.
The State Department would not confirm nor deny punitive action. A representative only said that Washington is concerned about mounting censorship in Europe but would not elaborate further.
The European Commission rejected those assertions. A representative said freedom of expression is an essential pillar of the DSA and insisted that the law balances free speech with prohibitions against illegal content.
Trump himself chimed in on Twitter late Monday. He stated that any country with digital taxes or regulations aimed at U.S. businesses must retreat or face high tariffs.
His administration has also expanded its European politics criticism. Officials blamed EU leaders for silencing the voices of right-wing politicians, as well as critics of German and French immigrants. Vice President JD Vance even stunned European allies at an earlier February conference by blaming them for silencing democracy.
European regulators, meanwhile, have argued the DSA is not aimed at American companies. They argue it is designed to keep digital markets open and level. However, large American platforms such as Meta are asserting the law is censorship.
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