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
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley delivers a speech at the Centre for Independent Studies. Monday 20th October 2025.

New Tax Cuts Announced for Australians: Here’s What You Need to Know

Future tax cuts will be put on the table by Opposition Leader…

Additional Sunscreen Recalls Announced: Is Your Brand Affected?

Australians headed to the beach this week have been warned that two…

Unveiling the Power of Rare Earth Minerals: Why Donald Trump Has His Eyes on Australia’s Hidden Treasure

Australia has some of the richest deposits of mineral sands and rare…
Trump and Albanese sign critical minerals deal in chummy White House meeting

Trump and Albanese Forge Key Minerals Agreement in Friendly White House Encounter

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has walked away from his long-awaited White…
Chilling warning over 3D-printed guns flooding Australia amid crackdown

Rising Threat: Surge of 3D-Printed Firearms in Australia Sparks Urgent Crackdown

Authorities have issued a stern warning about the “real threat” posed by…
Another hostage's body returned after Israeli strikes on Gaza

Body of Hostage Repatriated Following Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza

Israeli police said a coffin carrying the apparent remains of a deceased…

Hamas Returns Body of Israeli Hostage in Latest Diplomatic Development

Israel has confirmed it has received the remains of another Gaza hostage…
Boy, aged 13, charged with robbery, assault

13-Year-Old Charged with Robbery and Assault

A 13-year-old boy has been charged with multiple offences, including robbery, assault,…

Discover Which Popular Apps and Websites Are Impacted by the Amazon Web Services Disruption

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is currently experiencing technical difficulties, which is affecting…
Shock sight as whole wing of the White House left in pieces

Unexpected Incident Leaves White House Wing in Disarray

The historic White House is undergoing a significant transformation as demolition of…
Two sunscreens pulled off shelves amid SPF concerns - Outside Beauty & Skincare SPF 50+ Mineral Primer and Salus SPF 50+ Daily Facial Sunscreen

Two Popular Sunscreens Recalled Due to SPF Accuracy Issues

A further two sunscreens have been pulled from shelves amid sun protection…
NSW Government spends $190 million to bring major hospital back into public hands

NSW Government Reclaims Major Hospital with $190 Million Investment

The Labor government led by Premier Chris Minns has pledged $190 million…