Donald Trump says massive Google fine has proved him right in argument with EU
'I told you so!'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump has responded to the EU's decision to charge Google with a record-breaking fine.
"I told you so!" the president tweeted. "The European Union just slapped a Five Billion Dollar fine on one of our great companies, Google. They truly have taken advantage of the US, but not for long!"
The post is just the latest mark of deteriorating relations between the EU and the US.
It is not clear which of Mr Trump's comments he believes was proved correct by the fine. The president is currently involved in a range of disputes with the EU, having referred to it as one of the US's "foes" as he continues a trade war.
Mr Trump has been previously reported to have suggested that Margrethe Vestager, who levied the fine as EU competition commissioner, "hates the US". He also referred to her as "tax lady", apparently in reference to her work to recover payments from Apple and other major tech companies.
The latter part of Mr Trump's tweet seems an explicit reference to the threat that new tariffs could be applied to goods such as imported cars. The EU has said that such a penalty would be "disastrous" and that it would be forced to respond in kind.
After the Google fine was issued, Ms Vestager stressed that the decision was not being taken against the America. “I very much like the US,” Ms Vestager told a press conference.
Google was hit by the $5 billion fine – the biggest ever issued to one company by a regulator – for forcing cellphone makers that use the company's Android operating system to install Google search and browser apps.
The European Union said Google's practices restrict competition and reduce choices for consumers.
While Google can easily afford the fine, the ruling could undermine the company's business model, which relies on giving away its operating system in return for opportunities to sell ads and other products.
Google immediately said it will appeal, arguing that its free operating system has led to lower-price phones and created competition with its chief rival, Apple.
Android has "created more choice for everyone, not less," Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments