Trump goes on attack over digital services taxes, threatens tariffs

Trump goes on attack over digital services taxes, threatens tariffs

Spread the love

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Lawmakers hear debate over data centers including revenue, headaches

Lawmakers hear debate over data centers including revenue, headaches

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With more than 100 new data center projects moving forward across Illinois in recent years, and thousands...
Illinois quick hits: Madigan corruption appeal to begin Thursday; Attorney General asks lawmakers for additional $15 million;

Illinois quick hits: Madigan corruption appeal to begin Thursday; Attorney General asks lawmakers for additional $15 million;

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Madigan corruption appeal to begin Thursday Oral arguments are scheduled to begin Thursday afternoon in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s...
Deficit watchdog urges Congress to cut more, spend less than Trump's budget request

Deficit watchdog urges Congress to cut more, spend less than Trump’s budget request

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As congressional Republicans begin considering how to implement President Donald Trump’s budget request into next year’s government funding bills, fiscal responsibility groups are urging them...
Lawmaker pushes sales tax pause on gas as questions cloud 'fragile' ceasefire

Lawmaker pushes sales tax pause on gas as questions cloud ‘fragile’ ceasefire

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With the average Illinois gas price about $1.40 per gallon higher on Wednesday than it was in...
Groups warn Middle East truce may not ease economic fallout

Groups warn Middle East truce may not ease economic fallout

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group are closely watching the tentative truce between the U.S. and Iran in the Middle East, but...
National ratings outlet says Pennsylvania has most ‘toss up’ midterm races

National ratings outlet says Pennsylvania has most ‘toss up’ midterm races

By John ColeThe Center Square The 2026 midterm elections are just under seven months away and the races for the U.S. House are beginning to heat up. With control of...
Regulator: LNG expansion likely to affect rare marsh bird

Regulator: LNG expansion likely to affect rare marsh bird

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square A proposed expansion of the Sabine Pass liquefied natural gas export facility in Louisiana could threaten the federally protected eastern black rail, a marsh bird,...
Court showdown over Trump's tariffs could reshape U.S. trade policy

Court showdown over Trump’s tariffs could reshape U.S. trade policy

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A ruling from a small federal trade court in New York could reshape global trade, as it decides the legality of President Donald Trump's latest...
PSA urges consumers to think ‘Before You Call That Lawyer’

PSA urges consumers to think ‘Before You Call That Lawyer’

By Chris Dickerson | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A national education campaign is urging consumers to gather critical information before hiring a personal injury attorney. Protecting American Consumers Together, or...
Vance to lead talks in Iran on Saturday

Vance to lead talks in Iran on Saturday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Vice President JD Vance will lead talks with Iranian leaders in Islamabad on Saturday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Vance will be...
Rep questions state ed board’s higher budget request, proficiency standards

Rep questions state ed board’s higher budget request, proficiency standards

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois State Board of Education wants more taxpayer funding to address inequity and boost public school...
Illinois reps move bill to give remedy to young victims of hidden cameras

Illinois reps move bill to give remedy to young victims of hidden cameras

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Lawmakers advanced a proposal aimed at giving Illinois families new legal recourse when minors are secretly recorded...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago Election Board says 94% of ballots casts were for Dems

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago Election Board says 94% of ballots casts were for Dems

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners have announced the official results of the primary election in the...
Chicago office vacancy rates worsen, card swipe numbers offer hope

Chicago office vacancy rates worsen, card swipe numbers offer hope

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Chicago’s downtown office vacancy rate hits another record high, homeowners in the city can expect to...
Illinois Quick Hits: Illiois gas prices keep rising

Illinois Quick Hits: Illiois gas prices keep rising

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The average gas price in Illinois has risen 89 cents per gallon in the last month. According...