The White House has described Australia's proposed News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) as "foreign extortion," telling AdNews the Trump administration will continue to challenge trading partners.
The NBI, currently in draft form and open for consultation until May 18, would require digital platforms with Australian revenue exceeding $250 million to either strike commercial deals with local news publishers or pay a 2.25% levy on their Australian revenue.
AdNews approached the White House for comment, questioning whether the Trump administration intended to oppose the bill.
"As the White House has stated: President Trump is committed to defending America's leading technology sector from digital services taxes and other forms of foreign extortion," a spokesperson told AdNews.
"The Trump administration will continue to address these issues with our trading partners."
The federal government has defended the legislation as fair and non-discriminatory.
"The News Bargaining Incentive supports a strong and diverse news sector, which is vital for a healthy democracy," a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told AdNews.
"The NBI applies equally to all platforms that meet the eligibility thresholds, regardless of jurisdiction."
The spokesperson also confirmed the government had been in dialogue with the White House since the legislation was first announced.
"Since the NBI was announced in 2024, the government has engaged extensively and constructively with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the US government."
The CCIA, which represents major US firms including Meta, Google, Apple and Amazon, had urged the Trump administration to "publicly and forcefully challenge the draft measure, including through targeted trade remedies."
AdNews approached several lawyers, government officials and industry bodies for comment, with a number declining given the developing nature of the matter.
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