In a post published on his Truth Social platform, Trump said several European countries were considering new digital taxes on major US technology firms and warned that any nation moving forward with such measures would face immediate trade penalties.
“Any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump wrote, adding that the proposed tariffs would override any existing bilateral trade agreements.
The statement has created uncertainty over its potential impact on countries that already have digital services taxes in place, including the United Kingdom. Britain introduced its Digital Services Tax in 2020, applying a 2% levy on revenues generated by large search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces. The tax applies to companies with global digital revenues exceeding £500 million and UK revenues above £25 million.
Several major US technology companies, including Apple, Google, Meta and Amazon, are subject to the UK tax. According to the UK Treasury, the measure generated more than £800 million during the 2024-25 financial year, an increase from £678 million the previous year.
Trump has repeatedly criticised digital taxes imposed by foreign governments, arguing they unfairly target American businesses. Earlier this year, he warned that Britain could face significant tariffs because of its digital tax policy, accusing governments of attempting to profit at the expense of US companies.
The latest warning comes only days after the United States and the European Union reached a new trade agreement aimed at easing commercial tensions. Trump’s remarks have raised questions about whether the proposed tariffs could complicate implementation of that deal.
European officials have previously indicated they are prepared to respond if US trade actions threaten the bloc’s economic interests. Cyprus Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos recently said the European Union could react swiftly if agreed trade commitments were not respected.
Several EU member states, including France, Italy and Spain, already impose a 3% digital services tax on large technology companies. Other European countries have either proposed similar measures or are considering introducing them.
The Department for Business and Trade and the UK Treasury have not yet commented on Trump’s latest statement.
Trump has pursued an aggressive trade agenda since returning to office in 2025, announcing tariffs on a range of imports. Earlier this year, however, the US Supreme Court struck down one of his previous attempts to introduce a broad global tariff, marking a legal setback for parts of his trade policy.
