In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump called for the European Union to refund Apple the €14.25 billion ($17 billion) it collected in back taxes through Ireland. This demand follows the European Commission’s recent €2.95 billion ($3.45 billion) fine imposed on Google for antitrust violations in its advertising business.
Trump expressed his concerns on Truth Social, stating that the U.S. will NOT allow these discriminatory actions to stand, accusing Brussels of unfairly targeting American tech firms. He highlighted Apple’s case, emphasizing that the company was forced to pay $17 billion and argued that the money should be returned. Additionally, Trump warned that Washington could initiate a Section 301 investigation to challenge what he described as unfair penalties.
Threat of Trade Action
The former president linked the new Google fine with Apple’s longstanding dispute in Europe. He claimed that the EU has consistently pressured U.S. technology companies with multibillion-dollar tax claims and penalties, posing a threat to American innovation and investment. Trump pointed to Apple’s case as a prime example and pledged to intervene if re-elected.
In his post, Trump indicated that if the EU continues to impose such penalties, he would be forced to start a Section 301 proceeding to nullify the measures. Section 301 investigations grant U.S. authorities broad authority to impose tariffs or other restrictions on trade partners.
Trump reiterated that Apple should get their money back, framing the fines as an attack on brilliant and unprecedented American ingenuity.
EU-U.S. Tensions
The €14.25 billion figure refers to a European Commission decision in 2016, when Brussels ordered Ireland to collect unpaid taxes from Apple. Both Apple and Ireland contested the decision, and the case has been under review at the EU’s highest court.
Trump has also proposed tariff measures in earlier statements, suggesting a 50 percent tariff on EU imports starting June 1 and a 25 percent tariff on iPhones not manufactured in the U.S. Such measures, if implemented, would impact global supply chains and consumer prices.
Analysts cited by the Financial Times noted that a 25 percent tariff on imported iPhones would likely increase costs for U.S. consumers, as Apple’s assembly lines are primarily located in Asia. They also highlighted that relocating large-scale production to the U.S. would require several years.
This dispute underscores the growing friction between Washington and Brussels over digital regulation, taxation, and antitrust enforcement. Trump’s comments directly tie Apple to this conflict, presenting its €14.25 billion case as a symbol of what he perceives as EU discrimination against American companies.
