UK, EU Push Back Against Trump’s Threats Over Tech Regulations

President Trump has issued a memorandum threatening tariffs on countries that enforce strict tech regulations and levy fines primarily against U.S. tech firms.

Trump’s criticism also extends to digital services taxes imposed by countries like the UK and Italy, which tax the local revenues of Big Tech platforms.

The clear targets? The European Union and the United Kingdom, Fortune’s Data Sheet reported.

Trump’s criticism also extends to digital services taxes imposed by countries like the UK and Italy, which tax the local revenues of Big Tech platforms. In the UK alone, this tax generates $1.27 billion annually. But despite Trump’s warnings, European leaders are standing firm.

“If needed, the EU will respond swiftly and decisively to defend its rights and regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures,” a European Commission spokesperson said.

UK lawmaker Baroness Beeban Kidron was even more blunt, calling Trump’s stance “economic machismo.”

She criticized the notion that Europe and the UK should abandon their regulatory frameworks—especially on issues like online safety—just to avoid U.S. tariffs..