President Donald Trump is escalating the fight over European Union antitrust penalties against Apple, Google, and other U.S. tech companies by opening a trade investigation that could lead to new tariffs. Trump predicted that the investigation would result in a "substantial tariff" against the EU. The US-based investigation obviously can't overturn European Commission decisions or erase fines imposed under EU law. The investigation, reported by The Associated Press, also follows a broader expansion of Section 301 action by the Trump administration. It may raise the political and economic cost of future EU penalties, but only European regulators or judges can withdraw or overturn the existing fine.