Zuckerberg urges Trump to stop the EU from fining US tech companies

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has called on the incoming Trump administration to intervene against the European Union's fines imposed on U.S. tech companies, which he claims have exceeded $30 billion over the past two decades. During an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Zuckerberg characterized the EU's antitrust penalties as akin to tariffs that disadvantage American firms. He expressed optimism that President Trump would prioritize the interests of U.S. companies, suggesting that the U.S. government should take a more assertive stance against what he perceives as unfair treatment by the EU. Zuckerberg criticized the previous Biden administration for not adequately addressing these issues, arguing that the EU has exploited the situation to impose heavy penalties on American tech giants like Meta, which recently faced a €797 million fine for antitrust violations. Additionally, Zuckerberg announced changes at Meta, including the end of its third-party fact-checking program and the termination of its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which some interpret as an effort to align with the incoming administration's views on content moderation.

- Zuckerberg urges Trump to act against EU fines on U.S. tech companies.

- He claims U.S. firms have paid over $30 billion in EU penalties.

- Zuckerberg likens EU antitrust rules to tariffs on American companies.

- He criticizes the Biden administration for not addressing these issues.

- Meta is shifting its content moderation strategy and ending DEI programs.