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Public Policy Solutions just rolled out a hard-edged ad push called “Bad Allies” to pressure the White House to hit back at European regulators. The group wants a formal Section 301 investigation into EU rules and fines that have been slashing American tech companies’ revenues — and it wants federal agencies to re-check contracts with European firms. In plain English: if Europe is going to keep penalizing U.S. companies, Washington should consider making Brussels pay where it counts.
Bad Allies campaign pushes Section 301 investigation
The “Bad Allies” ad campaign, backed with six-figure dollars, is centered on forcing a Section 301 investigation into European enforcement actions — especially under the Digital Markets Act. That law has led to huge fines for big American tech firms and, to put it mildly, a pattern of aggressive regulation aimed mostly at U.S. platforms. Public Policy Solutions argues that Section 301, the same trade tool presidents have used to push back on unfair foreign practices, is the right lever to use now.
Targeting federal contracts: a smart, painful counterpunch
What makes this campaign sharper than talk of tariffs is the push to review federal contracts with European companies. European firms sell a lot to the U.S. government; that gives Washington real leverage. If the White House actually re-evaluates those contracts, it would be a practical way to make Europe feel the cost of its one-sided enforcement — and maybe teach Brussels a lesson about reciprocity. Public Policy Solutions hasn’t named specific contracts yet, but the threat alone is worth noting.
Why this matters: EU fines, taxes, and the global playing field
Brussels has been piling on penalties under the Digital Markets Act and other rules — big fines for Google, Apple, Meta and others — while pushing proposals that would tax multinational revenues in Europe. Meanwhile, other countries are copying Europe’s rulebook. The U.S. already used Section 301 against Brazil over digital trade questions, so the tool is familiar. The basic point is simple: Europe wants open access to the U.S. market while closing the gates at home. That’s not fair trade; it’s a tilted game.
Bottom line: time for Washington to use its leverage
Americans should cheer a strategy that turns leverage into results. The “Bad Allies” campaign is blunt and a little abrasive — exactly what’s needed when diplomacy and sweet talk haven’t stopped Brussels from extracting billions from U.S. innovators. If President Donald Trump and his trade team want a real response, they can start by opening the Section 301 review and auditing federal contracts with European vendors. Fairness isn’t an optional extra in trade; it’s the point. If Europe wants to play rough, Washington should be ready to make the cost of that roughness real.
