Trump threatens EU with tariffs and Section 301 probe after new $1 billion Google fine

Trump's accusations and the fines

US President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on the European Union on 24 July 2026, accusing Brussels of systematically targeting American technology companies with excessive fines. In a post on Truth Social, Trump listed penalties imposed on Apple ($15 billion), Meta ($3 billion), and Amazon ($2.5 billion), and revealed that Google had just been hit with a new $1 billion fine. He claimed the total fines on Google now exceed $18 billion. Trump used all-capital letters for emphasis, writing that the United States is not Europe's "PIGGY BANK" and that the practice amounts to "ROBBERY" of American companies and taxpayers. He described the practice as "illegal and deeply biased," asserting that it began during the first year of the Biden administration.

The European Union has done it again and, as usual, is directly targeting the great American companies! After fining Apple $15 billion for no reason, Meta $3 billion, Amazon $2.5 billion, and many others, we just learned that Google, a truly advanced and amazing group, has been fined another $1 billion, with no explanation. With this, the total fines for Google exceed $18 billion!

Section 301 investigation

Trump announced that his administration would immediately launch an investigation under Section 301 of US trade law. The probe will examine what he called the EU's "robbery" of American companies and, by extension, American taxpayers. Section 301 allows the US to investigate and respond to unfair trade practices by foreign governments. Trump framed the move as a direct response to the EU's pattern of fines, which he argued are designed to extract money from US firms without justification.

Please let this true statement serve as notice that we will immediately begin a Section 301 investigation into the practice of 'robbing' American companies and, by extension, the American taxpayer.

Tariff threats and "heavy price"

The president warned that the EU would "pay a very heavy price" for what he described as illegal and highly unethical behavior. He vowed that the fines would be "completely overturned" and that his administration expects to impose significant tariffs on European goods as soon as possible. Trump did not specify which products or sectors would be targeted, but the threat escalates trade tensions between Washington and Brussels. The US has previously used tariffs in disputes with the EU, including on steel and aluminum during Trump's first term.

The European Union will pay a very heavy price for this illegal and extremely unethical behavior, which I have repeatedly warned them about. The fines will be completely overturned and, as we anticipate, a significant tariff will be imposed on them as soon as possible.

Political blame on Biden

Trump placed blame for the EU's actions on his predecessor, Joe Biden, whom he referred to as "Sleepy Joe." He claimed that the practice of targeting US tech companies with massive fines began at a high level during Biden's first year in office. Trump insisted that such treatment would not continue under his administration. The remarks are part of a broader narrative Trump has used to contrast his trade policies with those of the previous administration.

This illegal and deeply biased practice started at this level during the first year of the 'Sleepy Joe' Biden administration, but it will not continue under the Trump administration.

What's next

Trump ended his post with the phrase "Stay tuned!" signaling that further actions may follow. The announcement of a Section 301 investigation is likely to trigger a formal review process that could take months, but the threat of immediate tariffs suggests the White House may move quickly. The EU has not yet responded to Trump's latest threats, but previous fines on US tech companies have been defended by Brussels as enforcement of competition and digital market rules. The escalating rhetoric raises the prospect of a new trade conflict between the two economic powers.