Trump warns EU to 'be very careful' over $140 million fine on X

US President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to Europe regarding its regulatory actions against American tech companies, specifically criticizing a major fine imposed on the social media platform X. At a White House event on Monday, Trump addressed the €120 million (nearly $140 million) penalty levied by the European Commission, stating, "Look, Europe has to be very careful."

Trump's defense of Elon Musk's platform

Referring to X owner Elon Musk, a former political adviser, Trump called the fine "a nasty one" and expressed his disapproval. "It's a tough thing. I don't think it's right," he said, adding that Musk had not personally requested his intervention. The President indicated he would seek a full report on the decision, signaling potential diplomatic friction over the enforcement of European digital regulations on US firms.

The EU's landmark DSA enforcement action

The European Commission fined X on Friday for multiple breaches of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), marking the first non-compliance decision under the sweeping new digital rulebook. Regulators found that X employed "deceptive design" with its paid blue checkmark system, misrepresenting verification and exposing users to potential scams and impersonation. The platform was also cited for failing to meet advertising transparency requirements and blocking researcher access to public data.

Broader transatlantic tech regulation tensions

Trump's comments highlight growing tensions between US tech giants and European regulators asserting digital sovereignty. His remark, "We want to keep Europe, Europe," hints at a protective stance towards American corporate interests abroad. The fine against X represents a test case for the DSA's extraterritorial reach and sets a precedent for how the EU will police major online platforms, potentially leading to further diplomatic and trade discussions between Washington and Brussels.