Trump brands Australia's social media laws 'extortion,' White House warns trading partners

President Trump has branded Australia's proposed social media algorithm and content takedown laws "extortion" against American tech companies. White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Trump had "unequivocally warned trading partners against imposing digital services taxes, fines, and other forms of extortion on America's leading technology sector." The directive traces to a February 2025 presidential memorandum. Communications minister Anika Wells called the statement "broad," saying: "We're a sovereign nation."