President Donald Trump plans to launch a Section 301 trade investigation into the European Union following the bloc's recent antitrust fines against U.S. technology companies.

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that his administration will initiate a trade investigation into the European Union. The probe, conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, follows the European Commission's recent 890 million euro fine against Google. Trump stated the investigation aims to reverse penalties levied against U.S. tech giants and will likely result in the imposition of substantial tariffs on the 27-member bloc.

Conflict Over Tech Regulation

In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused the European Union of "robbing" American companies and taxpayers. He specifically criticized the recent fine issued to Google for allegedly prioritizing its own services, while also referencing previous penalties imposed on Apple, Meta, and Amazon. Trump characterized the EU's actions as "illegal and highly unethical." The European Commission stated that the 890 million euro fine against Google was issued due to noncompliance with the Digital Markets Act. This legislation is designed to increase scrutiny of the business practices of major technology firms.

Trade Authority and Legal Challenges

The administration intends to use Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for tariffs in response to practices deemed to unfairly burden U.S. commerce. Trump stated that the U.S. will not allow itself to be treated as a "piggybank" for Europe. Separately, the administration recently imposed tariffs between 10% and 12.5% on goods from over 80 countries, including EU members, citing forced labor concerns. By Friday afternoon, the Liberty Justice Center filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade challenging these new duties, arguing they are an improper use of Section 301 authority.