The Oval Office has been decked out with gold decor in Donald Trump's second term.
Share this @internewscast.com
United States President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs and other penalties on countries that legislate against US tech giants, putting the Australian government on notice ahead of the incoming social media ban for children.

The federal government is pushing through legislation banning children under 16 years old, and is also pushing for digital platforms like Facebook to pay Australian publishers to use their news content under the News Bargaining Incentive.

However, this morning, Trump sent a pointed warning to countries threatening to restrict how American tech companies operate.

The Oval Office has been decked out with gold decor in Donald Trump's second term.
Donald Trump has promised to hand down tariffs against countries who legislate against US tech companies. (AP)

“I will stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology,” he said in a post on Truth Social.

“I, as President of the United States, will impose substantial additional Tariffs on that Country’s Exports to the U.S.A., and institute Export restrictions on our Highly Protected Technology and Chips.”

Major tech companies lobbied against Australia’s incoming social media ban for young children, and Google even threatened to sue the federal government when it failed to get an exemption for YouTube.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 11 August 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The government says it has no plans to back down from its social media legislation. (Alex Ellinghausen)

In June, Canada backed down from its own similar plan to regulate social media, but was still slugged with a 35 per cent tariff by Trump.

However, the federal government has shown no signs of being willing to back down from its position on the social media ban despite Trump’s veiled threats.

“The government is committed to our world-first social media laws,” a spokesperson told 9news.com.au.

Daniel Mulino, the Assistant Treasurer Minister for Financial Services and responsible for the News Bargaining Incentive, was approached for comment.

Several major tech figures have previously thrown their support behind Trump’s presidency.

Meta donated $US1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg was one of several high-profile attendees at his inauguration, alongside Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Share Engagement News on Social Media

Pop superstar Taylor Swift and American football player Travis Kelce announced their…
Right to disconnect graphic

New Legislation Allows More Australians to Disconnect from Work after Hours

The right to disconnect employment law will capture small businesses with 14…
Two officers killed, one injured in shooting at rural Victorian property

Two Officers Fatally Shot, One Injured at Rural Property in Victoria

Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas has said today is one of “deep…
Police officers from the Special Operations Group have headed to the property.

Tragic Shooting on Rural Victorian Property: Two Police Officers Dead, One Injured

Two police officers have been killed and a third has been injured…

Thousands of Australian Kids Left Homeless and Unattended

Key Points Out of 78,092 children accessing specialist homelessness services in 2023-24,…
Allergy rates rising in Aussies, costing $18.9 billion yearly

Increase in Allergies Among Australians Costs $18.9 Billion Annually

According to a recent study, one in three Australians suffers from allergic…

A Greens Senator Urges AFL to Remove Snoop Dogg from Grand Final Performance

Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the AFL to drop…
Court sketch Beau Lamarre-Condon from 5.11.24

Ex-Officer Plans to Plead Not Guilty in Murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies

A former police officer will fight accusations he murdered two men with…
Liberal senator Linda Reynolds arrives at the David Malcolm Justice Centre in Perth, Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Brittany Higgins Awaits Outcome of Defamation Case Regarding Social Media Posts

A bitter court battle between an ex-senator and an alleged Parliament House…
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Anthony Field from The Wiggles attends the 64th TV WEEK Logie Awards at The Star on August 18, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie Awards)

The Wiggles’ $7 Million Income Uncovered Amidst Ex-CEO’s Lawsuit Against the Band

The former chief executive of The Wiggles claims he was undermined by…

Australia Post to halt parcel shipments to the US

Australia Post will temporarily suspend the postal sending of parcels to the…
A plain-clothes police officer in Victoria.

Plainclothes Officers Target Drivers Texting Behind the Wheel

An advanced police operation in Victoria employs undercover officers to target and…