(The Epoch Times)—President Donald Trump says his administration will open a formal investigation into the European Union’s trade practices, threatening new tariffs over billions of dollars in fines leveled against U.S. tech companies.
In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump said the investigation would begin “immediately” under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to protect U.S. businesses against unfair trade practices with tariffs and sanctions.
He accused the EU of “robbing” U.S. companies and, in turn, American taxpayers.
“The European Union is at it again and, as usual, taking direct aim at GREAT American Companies!” Trump wrote, referring to European enforcement actions over recent years against Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon.
Most recently, on Thursday, the European Commission fined Google 890 million euros, or about $1 billion, for violating the bloc’s Digital Markets Act.
The penalty consists of a 460 million euro fine (around $523 million) for allegedly giving Google’s own services preferential placement in search results, as well as a 430 million euro fine (around $489 million) over restrictions that the regulators said prevented app developers from freely directing customers to cheaper purchasing options outside the Google Play app store.
Google criticized the decisions and said it could appeal. The company has argued that the changes sought by European regulators would diminish useful search features and weaken safety protections on Google Play.
Siding with Google, Trump said this alongside other previous penalties against American technology companies “will be entirely reversed,” and that “a substantial TARIFF” would be imposed on the EU “at the earliest possible moment.”
“The European Union will pay a very big price for this illegal and highly unethical conduct, which I have consistently warned them about,” he wrote.
The president’s warning to the EU came as the Trump administration continues to leverage Section 301 to advance its trade agenda.
On Thursday, the United States imposed new tariffs covering goods from 60 trading partners, including the EU and China. The duties were generally set at 10 percent or 12.5 percent, based on findings that the affected economies had failed to impose or adequately enforce bans on imports produced with forced labor.
For the EU and several other major trading partners, the tariffs were calibrated so that the new duties, combined with existing U.S. rates, generally totaled 10 percent or 12.5 percent. Numerous products were exempted, including oil and gas, fertilizers, certain foods, aircraft, critical minerals, and others.
The new duties took effect as a temporary 10 percent global import surcharge expired early Friday. Trump imposed that surcharge in February under Section 122 of the Trade Act after the Supreme Court struck down much of his previous tariff program, which had relied on the president’s emergency economic powers.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
