A former State Department official, Mike Benz, has issued a strong call to action for US President Donald Trump, urging him to aggressively confront the European Union’s new disinformation law. Benz, who served under Trump’s first term, believes the law, which mandates content restrictions on major online platforms, represents a grave threat to free speech.
He argues that the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which incorporates the previously voluntary Code of Conduct on Disinformation, is essentially a tool for global censorship. The DSA, now mandatory as of July 1st, compels major tech companies to adhere to EU content moderation rules under penalty of substantial fines. Benz predicts that companies like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Google will face significant financial repercussions.
Benz’s proposed response is forceful: he advocates for Trump to leverage every aspect of US diplomatic and economic power to counteract the EU’s actions. This includes trade measures, aid, security cooperation, and even the country’s involvement in NATO. The urgency of his plea stems from the timing, coinciding with ongoing trade negotiations between the US and EU, with Trump having previously threatened tariffs on EU imports.
The European Commission, however, has firmly rejected the notion that content moderation and digital competition are negotiable, stating that these policies are grounded in European values. This stark difference in perspective sets the stage for a potential major transatlantic clash.
Benz’s outspoken advocacy underscores the escalating tension between the US and the EU regarding online content regulation. The situation presents a complex challenge, pitting concerns about disinformation against the principles of free speech and international trade relations. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how this conflict will unfold.
