Recently, on Truth Social, President Trump threatened to impose additional tariffs on the European Union (EU) because it is doing something the United States should be doing itself: holding powerful corporations accountable for monopolistic behavior. Trump's hypocracy couldn't be more blatant!
The EU fined Google billions of dollars for giving preferential treatment to its own services. In other words, while Google presents itself as a neutral search platform, regulators found that it was steering consumers toward its own products and services rather than allowing fair competition. The EU's goal of these actions is simple: protect consumers and small businesses from being exploited by monopolies.
Instead of standing with American consumers, Trump has attacked the EU for enforcing those protections. He claims that Europe is "robbing" American technology companies and taxpayers. Yet the reality appears much different. When powerful corporations avoid accountability, it is ordinary Americans who pay the price through reduced competition, higher costs, fewer choices and diminished economic opportunity.
At Trump's inauguration tech executives and billionaires occupied some of the most prominent seats in the room, including Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who reportedly donated $1.2 million to Trump's inauguration fund. If political pressure succeeds in helping Google avoid billions in penalties, the return on that investment will be staggering.
That's how oligarchy works. A small group of wealthy insiders prosper while working families struggle to afford groceries, childcare, healthcare and housing. Mothers stretching household budgets, parents working multiple jobs and seniors living on fixed incomes bear the burden, while the richest among us gain even more influence.
This isn't just about technology companies or corporate profits. It's about who government serves. Does it serve the families trying to build a stable future or the billionaires looking to increase their wealth and power?
The most powerful tool we have to answer that question is our vote. By electing leaders who will defend democratic institutions, enforce accountability and put ordinary people before special interests, we can challenge corruption and restore balance.
This is our fight. This is our future. And it starts with showing up, speaking out and voting.
