On July 23 local time, the European Commission accused Google of violating the EU’s Digital Market Act and imposed a fine of 890 million euros on the company. This move caused dissatisfaction among U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to investigate the EU’s actions of ‘robbing American companies’.
On the 24th, Trump posted on his own social platform “Truth Social” that “now we know that the truly advanced and outstanding American company Google has once again been fined $1 billion by the European Union, with no explanation provided. This illegal and discriminatory practice began during the first year of the administration of former U.S. President Biden, but the Trump administration will never allow such practices to continue.”
He warned that the United States “will not become a cash machine for Europe.” “We will immediately initiate a 301 investigation to thoroughly investigate such acts of ‘plundering’ American companies and even American taxpayers. The European Union will pay a heavy price for these illegal and unethical actions. These punitive measures will be completely lifted, and we expect to impose high tariffs on them as soon as possible.”
United States President Donald Trump IC photo
The so-called “301 investigation” refers to Article 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974. This section grants the U.S. Trade Representative the authority to investigate “unreasonable or unfair trade practices” by other countries, and to recommend unilateral sanctions to the President after the investigation is completed.
The European Union accused Google of prioritizing its own shopping, hotel, and transportation services in its search results, thereby displacing competitors. A fine of 460 million euros was imposed. At the same time, the European Union alleged that Google failed to comply with EU regulations by restricting app developers from guiding users to platforms other than the Google Play store for purchasing discounted services or content. A fine of 430 million euros was also imposed.
The European Commission requires Google to complete the rectification within 60 days, otherwise further fines will be imposed.
On the 23rd, Trump imposed new tariffs on 60 countries and regions around the world, including the European Union, on the grounds that these countries had failed to strictly enforce prohibitions against forced labor. EU goods will be subject to an additional 10% tariff.
