Trump goes on attack over digital services taxes, threatens tariffs
President Donald Trump broadly attacked other nations’ plans for a digital services tax, which he said were designed to harm U.S. companies while giving others a pass.
Trump earlier this year killed Canada’s plans to implement a digital services tax, but the president has made clear he doesn’t want to see similar taxes pop up elsewhere, threatening to respond with U.S. tariffs if countries impose the tax unilaterally.
Trump said the taxes were a direct threat to U.S. tech firms.
“As the President of the United States, I will stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology. They also, outrageously, give a complete pass to China’s largest Tech Companies. This must end, and end NOW!” the president wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform.
Some 18 nations have already implemented digital services taxes, according to a 2024 report from the Tax Foundation.
Trump said he’s not having it.
“I put all Countries with Digital Taxes, Legislation, Rules, or Regulations, on notice that unless these discriminatory actions are removed, I, as President of the United States, will impose substantial additional Tariffs on that Country’s Exports to the U.S.A., and institute Export restrictions on our Highly Protected Technology and Chips.
The president called for respect for U.S. tech firms.
“America, and American Technology Companies, are neither the ‘piggy bank’ nor the ‘doormat’ of the World any longer,” Trump wrote. “Show respect to America and our amazing Tech Companies or, consider the consequences!”
In late June, Canada caved to Trump’s demands by pulling its digital services tax hours before it was to go into effect. Canada’s proposed digital services tax required foreign and domestic businesses to pay taxes on some revenue earned from engaging with online users in Canada.
Latest News Stories
Everyday Economics: A stalled labor market and why the next data points matter
Assaults against ICE up 1300%, vehicular attacks up 3200%, death threats up 8000%
Bipartisan bill to cap annual deficits at 3% could curb debt growth
One year in, a ‘ho-hum’ jobs report
Five battleground governor’s races for 2026
Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report
Capital Imp Committee: Begins Drafting Policy to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in County Government
Public Health Committee Chair Demands Animal Control Agreements for Crete, Monee
Public Works Committee Considers Taking Over Kankakee County Line Road to Expedite Bridge Repairs
Trump signs order protecting Venezuelan oil revenue from legal claims
Retirements and resignations to impact midterms as balance of power at stake
U.S. Supreme Court to hear anti-oil cases with energy costs on the line
Constitutional concerns raised over Illinois’ first civil hate crime case
Peotone Man Charged With Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage at New Lenox Target