President Donald Trump has again warned European governments that the United States could impose steep tariffs if they move ahead with digital services taxes aimed at major American technology companies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said any country imposing such a tax would “immediately” face a 100 percent tariff on all goods shipped to the United States. He added that the tariff would override existing or pending trade agreements. The warning was directed at “numerous European countries” that he said are considering or nearing implementation of digital services taxes.
Digital services taxes generally target revenue earned by large technology firms in foreign markets. European governments have argued in recent years that companies such as Apple and Google should pay taxes where they generate sales. U.S. officials have often countered that the measures disproportionately affect American firms and amount to discriminatory trade practices.
The latest statement marks the second time this month that Trump has used tariff threats in response to such taxes. Earlier, he singled out France, warning that French wine imports could face tariffs unless Paris dropped a 3 percent levy on local revenue earned by large tech companies. Trump reportedly raised the issue directly with outgoing French President Emmanuel Macron before the Group of Seven summit.
Canada is the only country cited in the report as having withdrawn a digital services tax after facing pressure from Trump’s tariff strategy. Other governments have not been reported to have taken similar action.
The administration’s leverage may now be more limited, according to experts referenced in the report. A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision curtailed Trump’s authority to issue reciprocal tariffs, potentially complicating future efforts to use tariffs as a negotiating tool.
The dispute highlights continuing tension between national tax policy, global technology companies, and U.S. trade enforcement issues.