The remarks point to EU resolve to enforce an extensive package of digital rules that have come in for bitter criticism from senior members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
Vice President JD Vance has led the charge against European laws such as the Digital Services Act (DSA), which governs content, or the AI Act, arguing that they censor free speech and stifle innovation in Europe.
Two months before the U.S. presidential election, Vance drew a direct link between Washington’s continued participation in NATO and Europe’s digital rulebook, saying the United States could withdraw from the alliance if the EU enforced rules on platforms.
Such pressure has led to concerns that the EU might hold back from enforcing its laws to avoid infuriating the Trump administration, particularly in the midst of tense discussions about U.S. trade tariffs targeting Europe.
Apparent delays to long-expected fines, namely for the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act — which seeks to ensure a fair digital marketplace — and the DSA have bolstered such concerns, with some officials complaining openly about the apparent “politicization” of Big Tech enforcement.
Von der Leyen’s insistence that the EU will uphold its rulebook against any company “regardless of who’s running it” pushes back on such critiques. Elon Musk, the owner of tech platform X, is one Trump’s key backers and plays a role in his administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency.
The European Commission is currently weighing potential fines against X after wrapping up a probe against the platform in January. The New York Times reported in early April that Brussels would apply a fine of up to $1 billion — though that claim was denied by a Commission spokesperson.
