According to Bloomberg News, Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg held a private meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House last week to address concerns over digital service taxes, which are fees imposed on revenue that technology companies earn from users in particular countries. For Meta, which relies heavily on advertising across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, these taxes have become a significant issue.
Just days after the meeting, Trump warned of imposing “substantial” tariffs on nations with such levies, arguing they unfairly target American technology companies. He wrote on Truth Social that digital taxes and regulations hurt U.S. tech firms while leaving Chinese tech companies unaffected, adding that he would consider restricting semiconductor exports if these “discriminatory actions” were not withdrawn.
This threat revived a long-standing transatlantic dispute, as U.S. officials have consistently opposed digital service taxes, claiming they disproportionately impact companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google’s parent Alphabet. White House spokesman Kush Desai reiterated that Trump has consistently objected to these measures in trade negotiations, including with the European Union.
Several European nations—such as France, Italy, Austria, Spain, and the UK—have already implemented digital service taxes, usually applied to revenue generated from users in their markets. The EU has defended the move, arguing it ensures global tech giants contribute fairly to local economies.
Since Trump’s return to office, Zuckerberg has worked to repair their once-hostile relationship. Trump previously called him a “criminal” and threatened imprisonment. In response, Zuckerberg has altered company policies, made multiple visits to the White House and Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, and even contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, which he personally attended.
Further cementing his Washington presence, Zuckerberg purchased two homes near Vice President JD Vance’s residence and appointed several Trump allies to Meta’s leadership and board.
