Elon Musk urged the dissolution of the European Union on Saturday after regulators fined X $140 million for violating the Digital Services Act. Musk said the bloc should be “abolished” and claimed the penalty targeted him personally, calling it “bulls—.” EU officials cited “deceptive design” of blue checkmarks, lack of ad transparency, and restricted data access for researchers. X has 60 to 90 days to submit compliance plans or face further penalties.
The fine drew swift backlash from Trump administration officials, who described the move as an attack on American tech companies. Senator Ted Cruz called the penalty an “abomination,” while Vice President JD Vance said the EU should “support free speech.” European regulators insisted the decision was strictly about compliance. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr argued the rules were designed to suppress free speech and burden U.S. platforms.