White House Slams EU Fines on Apple and Meta as "Economic Extortion"

The White House accuses the EU of discriminatory practices after fining Apple and Meta under the Digital Markets Act.

The White House has sharply criticized the European Union’s recent fines on U.S. tech giants Apple and Meta, labeling them a “new form of economic extortion” and escalating tensions between Washington and Brussels. The statement, issued on April 24, 2025, follows the EU’s imposition of hefty penalties under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), prompting warnings of potential retaliatory measures from the U.S.

White House Denounces EU Fines as Discriminatory

In a strongly worded statement, Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the National Security Council, accused the EU of targeting American companies with “discriminatory” regulations. “Extraterritorial regulations that specifically target and undermine U.S. companies, stifle innovation, and enable censorship will be recognized as trade barriers and a direct threat to a free civil society,” Hughes said. He added, “The malicious targeting of American businesses and consumers by the EU must stop. End the EU’s regulatory downward spiral!”

The White House’s response signals a potential escalation in the ongoing trade dispute with the EU, as the U.S. insists it “will not tolerate” what it sees as unfair penalties on its tech industry leaders.

Details of the EU Fines

On April 23, 2025, the European Commission announced fines against Apple and Meta for violating competition rules under the DMA, which aims to ensure fair competition in digital markets. Apple was fined €500 million for imposing restrictive clauses in its App Store, harming app developers and consumers. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, received a €200 million penalty for breaching rules on personal data usage, specifically related to its paid subscription model designed to avoid ad tracking.

The fines come amid strained relations between the EU and the U.S., exacerbated by Donald Trump’s frequent criticism of European taxes, fines, and regulations on American digital services. Trump has previously threatened tariffs on countries penalizing U.S. companies, a stance reinforced by the White House’s latest remarks.

EU Defends Fines Amid Trade Negotiations

The EU, currently negotiating with the U.S. to lift Trump-imposed tariffs, maintains that the fines are not part of the broader trade dispute. Teresa Ribera, the EU Commissioner for Competition, stated, “These penalties are simply an application of the law,” emphasizing the EU’s commitment to enforcing the DMA regardless of geopolitical tensions.

However, the White House views the fines as part of a pattern of “overseas extortion,” echoing Trump’s earlier criticisms of the EU’s regulatory approach. This sentiment aligns with recent U.S. actions, such as a February 2025 memorandum targeting countries imposing digital service taxes on American firms, as reported by the European Union Institute for Security Studies.

Why This Matters

The clash over EU fines on Apple and Meta highlights deepening US-EU trade tensions, with potential implications for global tech regulation and transatlantic relations. The White House’s accusation of “economic extortion” could lead to retaliatory measures, such as tariffs, further straining economic ties. As the EU pushes for fair competition in digital markets, the U.S. defends its tech giants, setting the stage for a broader conflict over innovation, competition, and regulatory sovereignty.

Key Takeaways

• The White House calls EU fines on Apple and Meta “economic extortion” and “discriminatory.”
• Apple was fined €500 million for App Store violations, while Meta faces €200 million for data usage breaches.
• The U.S. threatens retaliation, citing unfair targeting of American companies.
• The EU insists the fines are lawful, amid ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S.

Stay informed: Follow updates on US-EU trade relations and global tech regulations.

Sources: Reuters, CNBC, European Union Institute for Security Studies, Dagens EN.