Donald Trump threatens 100% US tariffs on European digital services taxes

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that any European country that imposes a digital services tax will face an immediate 100% tariff on all goods shipped to the United States, superseding existing trade agreements. The threat has attracted little reaction because a February Supreme Court decision limited his authority to impose tariffs, stating that Congress must clearly define such powers.

Legal experts cited the court’s opinion, with Chief Justice John Roberts noting, “When Congress grants the power to impose tariffs, it does so with clear limits,” and Liberty Justice Center’s Jeffrey Schwab adding, “The president cannot impose tariffs at will.” After the ruling, the administration continued with a uniform 10% tariff that is set to expire next month and has opened Section 301 investigations that could lead to higher duties, though those processes may take months. The digital services tax issue involves a range of online activities, from Google advertising to Spotify streaming, and has been a recurring point of contention between the United States and Europe.