Countries around the world are waiting for Donald's return. Trump in suspense This week, as Trump takes office in the White House. The new president also appeared at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where his foreign policy goals began to emerge. First order of business? Declaring (economic) war on Europe, I guess.
at Davos When asked about his position regarding the European Union Trump then took the opportunity to criticize America's allies for their diligence in punishing U.S. technology companies. that violates the law
“They litigated a lawsuit against Apple and they expected to win a case that most people didn't think was much of a lawsuit,” Trump said. “They won 15 or 16 billion from Apple. Billions from Google, I think they follow Facebook by billions and billions. These companies are American companies. Whether you like them or not. They are an American company. And they shouldn't do that. As far as I'm concerned That is a form of taxation.”
“We have very big complaints with the European Union,” Trump concluded, doubling down on his accusations. Plan to set key tax rates in European countries if they refuse to buy products made in America.
This is unlike in America where the government drafts most of the legislation. Co-opted by special interest groups It should be regulated—Europe has a relatively functional legislature. which can sometimes prove to be responsive to the public interest. In the past few years The European Union has passed several important bills designed to Establish reasonable regulations on U.S. tech platforms dominating the internet Because of this, Trump is right: Europe has hit American tech platforms with hefty fines for violating those established laws. Apple was recently fined $2.7 billion for EU regulators While Meta was recently fined $840 million for antitrust violations, Apple currently owes Ireland some money. Like $14 billion in back taxes.– various Regulatory investigation Tech giants are continuing to make progress. And it is possible that you will have to pay more fines.
Now, as Trump returns to the White House with some Silicon Valley money, It's also logical that big tech platforms suffering from European regulatory scrutiny would want it shut down if tech CEOs line up to meet with the president. This is exactly what companies like Apple, Meta, and Amazon expect.
However, the MAGA movement and its allies Efforts are being made to proceed. Attack and rebuild Europe For nearly a decade Right-wing liberal organizations with ties to Trump have long sought one. Cultivate relationships with European leadersin an effort to inform its policies and push traditionally leftist governments to the right.
During the first Trump administration, MAGA student Steve Bannon headed to Europe. to try to bring his “populist” politics to the Old World To do so, Bannon purchased an old Italian monastery and converted it into what he called a “monastery.” “Gladiator School” Or even more amazing than that. Dubbed “an educational institution for the Judeo-Christian West,” the idea was that the monastery would serve as a breeding ground for a political party that could wipe out the established order in Europe. and gave rise to a new form of right-wing politics Bannon has been expressing himself for a long time. The desire to destroy the European Union Claims that he wants to fight for ordinary people. European identity and, of course, the free market.
Despite the drama But Bannon's efforts still do. Not very successful– Some political parties established as part of Bannon's “movement” The group has disbanded. And Bannon's “Gladiator” monastery isn't very helpful. because he was tied up from ongoing litigation and legal problems–
In recent months, Elon Musk has attempted to step into Bannon's shoes and tried to use his global propaganda platform, X, to cultivate his own unique brand of moral right-wing politics in Europe. Like Bannon's efforts, Musk's propaganda appears to have failed (for the most part), a recent survey found in the UK. in which Musk relentlessly attacks the country's prime minister Tech billionaires are no more popular than Meghan Markle.– Another survey found that Musk's popularity is Relatively low in Germanywhere he tried to promote a far-right political party associated with neo-Nazis