Macron Pushes EU to Target U.S. Big Tech After Trump’s Tariff Threat

French President Emmanuel Macron has pressed the European Union to respond to President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats by taking aim at U.S. tech giants, according to French officials. Speaking at a cabinet meeting Wednesday, Macron said Europe “should not exclude taking a look at the digital sector” in retaliation, stressing that the EU had been too accommodating in its trade negotiations.

Trade Tensions Resurface

Trump’s warning came just weeks after Washington and Brussels struck a deal setting a 15% baseline tariff on EU exports to the U.S. The agreement was meant to calm tensions, but Trump’s new threat blindsided EU leaders. He argued that the EU’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act unfairly target U.S. companies, framing the regulations as censorship of American citizens and discrimination against U.S. firms.

Macron’s Stance

France has consistently advocated a harder line against U.S. trade pressure, often urging Brussels to use its Anti-Coercion Instrument — a tool that could restrict U.S. tech companies’ intellectual property rights or limit their ability to invest in the EU. “The European Union has a big trade deficit with the United States, we need to focus on this,” Macron said, pointing to imbalances in digital and services trade.

A person close to Macron confirmed that his stance was to explore potential retaliation against U.S. digital players, signaling that France may push for action even if most EU members prefer to avoid a trade war.

EU Caution, But Pressure Builds

While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously said “all instruments are on the table,” she has stopped short of imposing countermeasures, prioritizing cooperation with Washington on Ukraine and broader transatlantic security. Many EU governments remain reluctant to escalate, fearing economic fallout.

Macron, however, is expected to raise the issue with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during bilateral meetings in France this week, hoping to rally support for a stronger European response.

Why It Matters

The dispute highlights growing friction in transatlantic relations under Trump’s renewed presidency. For Europe, the dilemma lies in balancing its reliance on U.S. security guarantees with protecting its economic sovereignty, especially in the digital economy. For Macron, the fight is also political — a chance to portray himself as Europe’s defender against U.S. pressure and to strengthen the EU’s hand in global tech regulation.