Meta is turning to the Trump administration as it faces a massive fine from the European Union over antitrust violations. The fine, which is expected to be in the hundreds of millions or even over a billion dollars, comes as the EU cracks down on American tech companies. The New York Post reports that these fines are related to the Digital Markets Act.
According to the New York Post, Meta is also set to receive a cease-and-desist order that will require changes to its business practices to comply with EU regulations. Meta executives have then reportedly asked US trade officials under President Trump to push back against those penalties.
A Meta spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal, “This is not just about fines — it’s about the Commission seeking to handicap successful American businesses simply because they’re American, while letting Chinese and European rivals off the hook.”
The fine was expected to be announced by the end of the week, but reports suggest that EU competition chief Teresa Ribera, who is currently in the US, may delay the decision until she returns.
Mark Zuckerberg himself has been lobbying American officials to push back against European regulations. He met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and appointed UFC President Dana White to Meta’s board of directors.
Trump has a history of opposing the EU’s aggressive regulatory actions against US companies, calling their fines “overseas extortion.” His administration has warned of potential retaliatory measures, and Wednesday has been marked as “Liberation Day” for trade policy announcements.
The European Commission has targeted Meta over claims that it forces users into a “pay or consent” model for ads on Facebook and Instagram. Regulators argue that users should be able to access Meta’s platforms without being forced to agree to personalized advertising.
The case against Meta is part of the EU’s push against American big tech companies. Charges were brought last year, and Meta claims it has been trying to comply with EU regulations. However, in a recent public compliance report, the company said that it has faced additional regulatory demands that go beyond what is required by law.
Apple was also hit with similar charges last year for allegedly blocking app developers from steering customers away from its App Store.
