The Trump administration is weighing whether to impose sanctions on European Union and member state officials responsible for implementing the bloc’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA), according to two sources familiar with the matter. The potential punitive measures reflect U.S. concerns that the law suppresses freedom of expression and disproportionately burdens American technology companies.
If enacted, the move would mark an unprecedented step, escalating tensions between Washington and Brussels at a time when transatlantic relations are already strained by tariff disputes and digital tax disagreements. The sanctions under consideration would likely take the form of visa restrictions, though no final decision has been made, the sources said, Reuters reported.
U.S. Escalates Campaign Against DSA
Internal meetings at the State Department last week explored possible targets for such measures, though it remains unclear which officials might be affected. The discussions come against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s broader campaign against digital regulations abroad. Earlier this week, Trump threatened countries with “substantial additional tariffs” should they fail to repeal digital tax laws targeting U.S. companies.
According to an internal State Department cable previously reported by Reuters, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed U.S. diplomats in Europe to lobby aggressively against the DSA in early August, urging engagement with EU governments and regulators to convey U.S. concerns. Rubio had already warned in May that visa bans could be applied to foreign officials accused of “censoring” Americans online.
EU Defends Digital Services Act
The European Commission has consistently rejected U.S. accusations of censorship, stressing that the DSA is designed to make online spaces safer. The law obliges large digital platforms to more actively remove illegal content, such as hate speech and child sexual abuse material, while safeguarding free expression.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in the EU. It lies at the heart of the DSA,” an EU spokesperson said, dismissing Washington’s claims as “completely unfounded.”
Broader Political Tensions
The Trump administration’s posture reflects a shift from the traditional U.S. emphasis on democracy promotion toward a more transactional foreign policy, with selective advocacy for issues linked to conservative causes. Washington has increasingly criticized European governments for alleged suppression of right-wing voices, with senior officials including Vice President J.D. Vance accusing EU leaders of “censoring” Americans and backsliding on democratic values.
This confrontational approach has also included sanctions abroad. Earlier this year, the U.S. imposed measures on a Brazilian Supreme Court justice, accusing him of restricting the political speech of Trump ally and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Industry Pushback
Major U.S. technology companies, including Meta Platforms, have also voiced strong opposition to the DSA, arguing that it imposes censorship on their platforms and creates costly compliance burdens. European regulators, however, maintain that the measure is essential to ensure accountability and protect citizens online.
Outlook
While it remains uncertain whether sanctions against EU officials will move forward, the prospect underscores the deepening rift between Washington and Brussels over digital governance. A decision to penalize European officials for implementing domestic legislation would mark a rare and provocative departure from established diplomatic practice, potentially triggering a broader trade and political confrontation between the U.S. and the EU.
