Donald Trump's campaign accuses EU of attempting to ‘meddle in US presidential election’

WASHINGTON, DC: Former president Donald Trump's campaign blasted the European Union (EU), arguing they were trying to "meddle in the US Presidential election" after a top official cautioned tech giant Elon Musk against promoting "potentially harmful content" before his interview with the GOP presidential nominee.

"The European Union should mind their own business instead of trying to meddle in the US Presidential election," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung stated, the New York Post reported.

"Let us be very clear -- the European Union is an enemy of free speech and has no authority of any kind to dictate how we campaign," he added in the statement.

Trump campaign's accusation came after EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, in an open letter to Musk, reminded the SpaceX CEO that his social media platform must comply with the EU's Digital Services Act implemented in August 2023. The regulation mandated major tech firms to moderate content, safeguard user privacy, and address public risks.

EU's Thierry Breton warned Elon Musk ahead of his interview with Donald Trump

Before the tech mogul's live interview with Donald Trump on X Spaces on Monday, August 12, Breton took to X, writing, "With great audience comes greater responsibility."

"There is a risk of amplification of potentially harmful content in in connection with events with major audience around the world, I sent this letter to @elonmusk," the EU commissioner added, sharing a lengthy letter addressed to the Tesla CEO.

Breton's letter alerted that Musk's livestream with the MAGA spearhead could elevate X's risk profile and harm civic discourse and public security. The official added that he would be on high alert for any signs of DSA breaches and would not hesitate to use all available tools, including interim measures if necessary, to protect EU citizens from significant harm.

X CEO Linda Yaccarino blasted the open letter, deeming it an "unprecedented attempt to stretch a law intended to apply in Europe to political activities in the US," adding it patronized citizens of Europe, implying they were incapable of listening to the interview and form their own judgments.

Musk also retorted to Breton's post with a 2008 movie 'Tropic Thunder' meme that read, "TAKE A BIG STEP BACK AND LITERALLY, F**K YOUR OWN FACE!"

"To be honest, I really wanted to respond with this Tropic Thunder meme, but I would NEVER do something so rude & irresponsible!" Musk captioned it.

Ripping into the EU's letter, Trump's campaign also argued that it would never have issued a warning if the former president had been in the White House.

"Only in Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' America can an un-Democratic foreign organization feel emboldened enough to tell this country what to do," Cheung claimed. "They know that a President Trump victory means America will no longer be ripped off because he will smartly utilize tariffs and renegotiated trade deals that puts America First."

Musk's live conversation with Trump started around 40 minutes late due to technical issues, which the former claimed was a DDoS attack. More than 2 million tuned into the interview, which lasted for two hours.

Trump campaign slammed for claiming EU was trying to 'meddle in US election'

Donald Trump's campaign was slammed online for accusing the EU of interfering in the US presidential election. Netizens, in turn, hit back at Trump and accused the former president of election interference in past White House races.

"That’s pretty funny for Trump to be accusing others of 'election meddling' love how he’s begging federal law enforcement to help him now too after threatening to fire all of them," one social media user said.

"It’s only bad if it hurts Don-OLD," another wrote.

"The guy has ducking lost it…," added one person.

Another took a swipe at Trump, posting a meme that read, "I am a VICTIM."

"Donald Trump was fine with Put in helping him into the White House. What has changed?" one individual asked in the comments section of the New York Post article.

"More bull droppings from Trump. Someone from the EU informs Musk that since X does business in the EU, X must follow EU laws and regulations, same as any and every other company. To Trump, that is somehow interference in American elections. Why not just follow the law?" another individual asked.

"Donnie is such a weepy victim these days. His numbers are going to get worse and worse each week. The old man is cracking up in real time," one netizen added.

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