U.S. President Donald Trump [Photo=White House] 

U.S. President Donald Trump warned of retaliatory tariffs on the European Union (EU) on the 24th (local time) following the EU’s decision to impose a massive fine on Google, stating he would initiate an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act.

President Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that day, "I have just heard that Google, a truly advanced and wonderful company, has been hit with yet another $1 billion fine by the EU without explanation," adding, "The United States is not Europe's 'piggy bank,' and I will not let it happen!"

President Trump continued, emphasizing, "We will immediately launch a Section 301 investigation into these practices of 'plundering' U.S. companies and taxpayers," and warned, "The EU will pay a very big price for this illegal and highly unethical behavior."

He further added, "The fines will be fully reimbursed, and we expect significant tariffs to be imposed as soon as possible."

The previous day, the EU imposed an additional fine of 890 million euros (approximately 1.5 trillion won) on the U.S. big tech firm Google, citing violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act grants the executive branch the authority to respond to unfair or discriminatory practices and policies of foreign governments, including through the imposition of tariffs. The 'forced labor tariffs' imposed by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on 60 countries, including South Korea, the previous day were also the result of a Section 301 investigation.