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
JJC Board Meeting Halted by Lack of Quorum; New Student Trustee Sworn In
JJC Entrepreneur and Business Center Celebrates $800,000 Federal Grant, Client Successes
Chicago mayor to push for local funding, keeping Bears
Senate Republicans unveil $72 billion budget package to fund ICE, CBP
Illinois AI regulations have mild industry support, could draw federal ire
DOJ files complaint to block Minnesota climate lawsuit
Hegseth: Ceasefire holds despite Iranian aggression
Illinois Quick Hits: Mayors to visit capitol urge protection of local funding
Despite tax revolt, Lower Merion keeps administrator pay high
Supreme Court allows Louisiana to immediately move on drawing new map
After Fifth Circuit ruling on TX border security law, ACLU sues to stop it from going into effect
Colorado legislators back psychedelic drug research