Top US Diplomat Accuses EU of Hypocrisy Over $140 Million Fine on X

A senior US diplomat has accused the European Union of hypocrisy for fining the social media platform X while relying on American military protection. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau made the criticism on Saturday. The EU recently imposed a $140 million fine on X, which billionaire Elon Musk owns. European regulators cited breaches of the bloc's strict digital content rules. Landau stated the fine demonstrates how Europe undermines US policies. He argued this occurs even as European nations demand security guarantees from the United States. He and other US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have labeled the EU's action as censorship. Landau extended this criticism by framing it within a broader ideological conflict over free speech and digital governance. The dispute highlights ongoing transatlantic tensions over technology regulation and fundamental rights.