Overview
- The European Commission penalized X after finding deceptive paid verification, an inadequate advertising repository, and unnecessary barriers to researcher access under the DSA.
- EU officials characterized the decision as proportionate and non-discriminatory, emphasizing that the rules apply to all major platforms.
- Elon Musk denounced the move on X, calling the EU a “bureaucratic monster,” urging that it be “abolished,” and replying “bullshit” to the Commission’s announcement.
- President Trump criticized Europe’s direction and questioned the fine, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance condemned the action as an attack on American tech platforms.
- Axios reported the administration’s new national security strategy portraying Europe as a geopolitical antagonist, with Sen. Ted Cruz urging sanctions and pro-Musk campaigns amplifying #AbolishTheEU.