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

Tragic First: Australian Teen Jeremy Webb Dies from Rare Tick-Induced Red Meat Allergy

In brief Jeremy Webb was repeatedly bitten by ticks as a child,…

Shocking Arrest of Larrakia Elder Amid Heated NT Administrator Protests: Uncover the Controversy

On Friday morning, a significant gathering of protesters convened in a park…
Shark warning after Sydney deluge floods city

Shark Alert Issued Following Sydney Flooding

Sydney swimmers are urged to be wary of sharks after the city…
Warnbro crash

Tragic Perth Incident: Teenager Fatally Struck by Two Cars After Exiting School Bus

A family is grieving the death of their teenage son after a…
General view of Yallourn Power Station (Luis Enrique Ascui/Australian Financial Review)

Firefighters Combat Intense Blaze for Five Hours at Victorian Power Station

Firefighters have spent nearly five hours battling to control a blaze inside…

Magda Szubanski Celebrates Cancer Remission Following Successful Chemotherapy Treatment

In brief Magda Szubanski was diagnosed with stage four mantle cell lymphoma…

Controversy Persists Over Allegations of Racism in Incoming NT Administrator David Connolly’s Past Social Media Posts

In Brief David Connolly is being sworn in as the Northern Territory’s…
Queensland rain

Queensland on High Alert: Double Cyclone Threat Looms – Prepare Now!

Records are tumbling in outback Queensland as days of rain cuts off…
A picture of an unidentified child at a childcare centre.

Nine Childcare Centers at Risk of Losing Funding After Falling Short of Standards

One childcare centre has closed and nine face suspension or funding cuts…
Harry Brook's attempts to protect his team-mates have strengthened his standing within the England dressing room

Harry Brook’s Leadership Journey: Embracing Maturity, Building Bonds, and Earning Team Respect

Earlier in the week, just before his electrifying century propelled England into…
Thieves swipe $40,000 of rescue gear from SES depot

Thieves Steal $40,000 in Vital Rescue Equipment from SES Depot, Raising Concerns Over Emergency Response

Thieves made off with $40,000 of crucial SES rescue equipment after breaking…
Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton Faces Congress: Denies Knowledge of Epstein’s Activities

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told US House lawmakers on…