Trump Could Step In Against EU’s Digital Services Act – Musk Stands to Gain

Donald Trump may have unexpectedly positioned himself as an unlikely ally for Elon Musk in the ongoing clash with the European Union over digital regulations.

In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform, Trump blasted the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), claiming the rules unfairly target American tech firms while giving Chinese companies a free pass.

According to Reuters, his administration is considering sanctions against EU officials responsible for enforcing the DSA, including potential visa restrictions – a move that would be an extraordinary escalation against a European regulation. The State Department is said to be weighing its options.

The EU defends the DSA as a necessary tool to create a safer internet, requiring platforms to crack down on illegal content while protecting free speech. Brussels insists the rules aren’t censorship, though American companies like Meta and Musk’s X argue the law is overly restrictive and burdensome.

Under the DSA, platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat have been ordered to explain their recommendation algorithms and assess risks ranging from election interference to child safety. Musk’s platform X has been a frequent target, with EU regulators accusing it of misleading users through its paid verification system, allowing scammers to impersonate trusted accounts. They also cite failures in ad transparency and blocking independent researchers’ access to data.

The tension is sharp: Musk has publicly clashed with Trump in the past, but if Washington chooses to pressure Brussels on behalf of U.S. tech giants, Musk could see many of his headaches with the EU evaporate. With the EU leadership already showing signs of bowing to Trump’s hardline stance, Musk might benefit from the very man he once mocked.