Elon Musk has launched a scathing critique of the European Union this week after regulators imposed a €120 million ($140 million) fine on his social media platform X for alleged violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The penalty, announced on December 5, 2025, marks the latest escalation in tensions between U.S. tech giants and EU regulators.
"The EU imposed this crazy fine not just on X, but also on me personally, which is even more insane!" Musk wrote on his platform on December 6. The Tesla CEO warned that his response would target both EU institutions and individual officials involved in the decision, later adding: "The EU should be abolished."
The European Commission cited three key violations: deceptive use of X’s blue checkmark system, insufficient transparency in advertising practices, and restricted data access for researchers. Officials argued these practices expose users to fraud and undermine public accountability.
The decision has drawn support from digital rights advocates but sparked backlash in Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump threatened retaliatory tariffs, calling the fine "an assault on free speech and American innovation" during a press briefing earlier this week.
Analysts suggest the conflict could impact cross-Atlantic tech investments, with EU-U.S. trade relations already strained over recent semiconductor export controls. The controversy highlights growing global debates about balancing platform accountability with corporate autonomy in the digital age.
