Trump launches Section 301 probe into EU, threatens 'substantial tariff' over tech fines

Published Jul 24, 07:39 PM UTC

President Donald Trump announced a trade probe into the European Union, accusing the bloc of 'robbing' American companies through fines against U.S. tech giants, including a recent $1 billion penalty on Google for alleged noncompliance with the Digital Markets Act. Trump said the U.S. will immediately launch a Section 301 investigation, the same authority used to impose new tariffs on over 80 countries. He warned the EU will face a 'substantial tariff' and that the fines will be reversed. The announcement came hours after new U.S. tariffs on EU goods took effect, and a federal lawsuit challenging those tariffs was filed on the same day. Trump's Truth Social post also referenced prior EU fines against Apple, Meta, and Amazon.