U.S. Lawmakers Urge Trump to Open Trade Probe Into EU's Digital Markets Act

Twenty-five Republican lawmakers are urging President Trump to take trade action against the European Union over its Digital Markets Act, arguing the legislation discriminates against American technology companies. According to a Reuters report, the group, which includes seven members of the House Trade Subcommittee, describes the DMA as a series of "anti-competitive acts, policies, and practices" that amount to "economic extraction and regulatory coercion against American firms." The lawmakers are asking the administration to consider a Section 301 investigation, a move that could ultimately lead to retaliatory tariffs, and urged Trump to act before Europe "further entrenches this anti-American regime."



The letter argues that bringing Amazon and Microsoft's cloud businesses under the DMA would impose "unprecedented regulatory burdens" while European and Chinese rivals would not face the same regulatory obligations. It also points to the designation of Apple, Amazon, and Meta as DMA gatekeepers, noting that Chinese shopping platforms Temu and AliExpress have not been designated under the law.


The request echoes warnings made by Trump in September 2025, when he threatened retaliation against the EU over what his administration described as discriminatory treatment of American technology companies, including Apple. At the time, officials argued that European fines and regulations were diverting money away from U.S. investment and jobs.

The Digital Markets Act has already had visible consequences for Apple customers in Europe. The company recently confirmed that Siri AI will not launch on iPhone and iPad in the EU this fall because of regulatory requirements under the Digital Markets Act.

A European Commission spokesperson rejected the lawmakers' claims, telling Reuters that the EU has the sovereign right to regulate economic activity within its borders and that its digital rules are enforced in a "fair and non-discriminatory manner." The lawmakers, however, argue that if the EU continues what they view as discriminatory treatment of U.S. companies, Washington should limit European firms' access to the American market by using tools such as Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.