Business

Trump Threatens EU With Tariffs After €890 Million Fine Imposed on Google

Herz — Business Desk · 24 July 2026 at 18:34 · 30s summary · 2 min read

The essentials

On July 24, 2026, Donald Trump threatened the European Union with "substantial" tariffs in reaction to the 890 million euro fine imposed by Brussels on Google for violations of European competition rules. On Truth Social, the social network of Trump Media & Technology Group, Trump called this practice "PILLAGE" of American enterprises and taxpayers. He announced the immediate launch of a U.S. investigation into European fines targeting American companies. Neither the tariff rate nor the date of entry into force of the threatened tariffs are specified.

Trump threatens EU with "substantial" tariffs on July 24, 2026.
EU imposes 890 million euro fine on Google for competition violations.
Trump announces immediate U.S. investigation into European fines against American companies.
Trump calls European fines "PILLAGE" and promises EU a "very heavy price."

What we know

On July 24, 2026, Donald Trump threatened the European Union with "substantial" tariffs via Truth Social, the microblogging social network of Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), according to The Guardian.

This statement follows the 890 million euro fine imposed by the EU on Google for violation of European competition laws, covering its search services and application store.

Trump announced the "immediate" launch of a U.S. investigation into European fines striking American companies, which he characterizes as "PILLAGE" of American enterprises and American taxpayers.

€890 million

Fine imposed by the EU on Google for competition violations (July 24, 2026)

Trump's statements

The United States of America is not a 'PIGGYBANK' for Europe, nor will we allow it to be!
— Donald Trump, Truth Social, July 24, 2026

Trump also warned that the EU "will pay a very heavy price for this illegal and highly unethical conduct."

Context

The fine imposed on Google is part of European competition law, which regulates the practices of companies active in the European Economic Area market.

Since September 14, 2022, the EU has had the Digital Markets Regulation (EU) 2022/1925, which sets competition conditions for large digital platforms active in Europe.

Trade tensions between Washington and its partners have a recent history. A trade war with Canada and Mexico began on February 1, 2025, when Trump signed executive orders imposing near-universal tariffs on imports from both countries.

What remains uncertain

No tariff rate or date of entry into force is specified for the tariffs announced against the EU. The concrete terms of the U.S. investigation announced by Trump are also not detailed.

Why did the EU fine Google?

The EU sanctioned Google for violation of European competition laws, covering its search services and application store. The fine amounts to 890 million euros.

What concretely risks facing the EU according to Trump's statements?