US President Donald Trump has launched a diplomatic attack on the European Union over its recent $3.5 billion antitrust fine against Google, labeling the decision as ‘unfair’ and ‘discriminatory.’ The EU has accused the tech giant of exploiting its dominant position in the ad tech market by favoring its own services and charging high fees that stifle competition. The 2025 ruling, which imposes a fine of €2.95 billion, marks the fourth such penalty the EU has levied against Google since 2017. Google has vowed to appeal the decision, and Trump has threatened to use Section 301 of the 31-year-old Trade Act to challenge the EU’s authority, possibly leading to tariffs.
The European Commission’s decision stems from a longstanding investigation into Google’s ad tech practices, which regulators argue have created an uneven playing field by disproportionately benefiting the company’s own services. The fine is part of a broader regulatory effort to curb the influence of dominant tech companies and ensure fair competition across the EU market. Google, which reported $264.6 billion in ad revenue in 2024—nearly three-quarters of its total income—has consistently maintained that its practices are lawful and that the EU’s actions are politically motivated. The company has pledged to comply with the Commission’s demands but will challenge the ruling in court.
Trump’s response underscores the growing tensions between the U.S. and EU over antitrust enforcement and digital regulation. The President’s rhetoric has intensified in recent weeks, with the latest remarks coming as the two sides finalized a trade deal that included a 15% tariff on most EU exports while scrapping tariffs on American industrial goods. This deal, which has drawn criticism from EU officials for favoring U.S. interests, is now viewed as a potential catalyst for more contentious trade measures. Trump’s threat to invoke Section 301 of the Trade Act signals a willingness to escalate the dispute, potentially leading to the imposition of tariffs—measures that could have wide-ranging economic repercussions for both regions.
While the EU continues to push back against U.S. trade policies, the ongoing rivalry has raised concerns about the broader implications for international commerce and the global tech industry. As negotiations and legal challenges unfold, the outcomes could shape the regulatory landscape for tech companies operating across borders for years to come.