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yesterday

After Zuckerberg Meeting, Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Foreign Digital Taxes

The move escalates a long‑running dispute with Europe over digital levies that Washington says target U.S. tech firms.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg presents Orion AR glasses at the Meta Connect annual event at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, U.S., September 25, 2024. REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo/File Photo
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, seen here at Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration, has had multiple meetings with the President since he's taken office.
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Is Mark Zuckerberg The One Behind Donald Trump's New Tariff Threat To Nations?

Overview

  • Meta confirmed Mark Zuckerberg met President Trump at the White House last week to discuss domestic infrastructure plans and U.S. tech leadership.
  • People familiar with the meeting said Zuckerberg raised concerns about digital service taxes, and days later Trump warned of “substantial” tariffs and potential export restrictions on U.S. semiconductors.
  • Trump argued the levies discriminate against American technology companies and give a pass to China’s biggest tech firms, reiterating his stance in a Truth Social post on Monday.
  • Several European countries, including France, Italy, Austria, Spain and the UK, have imposed digital service taxes, reviving a long‑running transatlantic trade fight.
  • Trump publicly highlighted Meta’s planned Louisiana data center during a Cabinet meeting, citing a $50 billion cost estimate, even as federal antitrust cases against major tech firms continue.