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U.S. Orders Diplomatic Lobbying Against EU’s Digital Services Act Over Free Speech Concerns

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The Trump administration has directed U.S. diplomats in Europe to launch a lobbying campaign opposing the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), citing concerns that the law imposes excessive restrictions on free speech and creates burdensome costs for U.S. tech companies.

An internal State Department cable dated August 4, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructs American diplomats to actively engage with EU governments and digital regulators to build support for repealing or amending the DSA and related legislation. The memo labels parts of the law as “undue” limits on expression under the guise of combating hate speech and misinformation.

The DSA is designed to hold tech companies accountable for illegal content online, such as hate speech and child sexual abuse material. However, the Trump administration views it as an infringement on free speech, especially political and religious expression, and has criticized the EU for what it sees as censorship targeting conservative voices.

Rubio’s directive includes specific talking points urging diplomats to push for narrowing the definition of illegal content, scaling back fines for non-compliance, and reducing reliance on “trusted flaggers” — entities authorized to report illegal content to platforms. It also calls for investigations into censorship cases affecting U.S. citizens and companies, including arrests and online suspensions linked to the DSA.

The European Commission rejects censorship accusations, emphasizing freedom of expression as a fundamental right. It maintains that the DSA aims to keep digital markets open and is not intended to target U.S. companies. EU officials also assert that the DSA and related tech laws are not part of ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S.

The lobbying effort marks an escalation of U.S. efforts to assert its free speech traditions internationally and intensifies tensions with European allies, with previous criticisms from officials such as Vice President JD Vance accusing Europe of suppressing certain political groups.

U.S. tech giants, including Meta and Tesla, have voiced concerns over the DSA. Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission chairman has criticized the law’s compatibility with American free speech norms. Rubio has even threatened visa bans on foreign officials involved in “censoring” Americans.

AI Impersonator Posed as Marco Rubio, Contacted Foreign Ministers in Sophisticated Deception

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An individual using AI-generated voice technology impersonated U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in June, contacting at least three foreign ministers, two U.S. officials, a governor, and a member of Congress, according to a classified State Department cable seen by Reuters.

The impersonator reached out through the Signal messaging app, sending voice messages and at least one text inviting recipients to connect further. The AI-driven impersonation is suspected to be part of a broader attempt to extract information or access government accounts, the July 3 cable warned.

“The actor likely aimed to manipulate targeted individuals using AI-generated text and voice messages,” it stated.

The State Department has launched an investigation into the incident. A senior official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the government is taking steps to improve cybersecurity protocols and mitigate future threats. While no immediate cyber breach was reported, the department noted that if individuals engaged with the impersonator, sensitive information could have been compromised.

This follows a string of recent digital security incidents. In a separate situation, President Donald Trump’s former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz accidentally added a journalist to a Signal group chat, where classified discussions on military operations in Yemen were exposed.

The State Department is now instructing diplomatic and consular staff to warn external partners about impersonation tactics and fake accounts. While the cable didn’t disclose which foreign ministers were contacted, it linked this attempt to earlier AI-related phishing campaigns.

Russia Connection Suspected in Prior Campaign

The cable also referenced a April impersonation campaign attributed to a Russia-linked hacker, who mimicked a @state.gov email address and replicated branding from the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology. That campaign targeted think tanks, Eastern European activists, and former State Department officials, showing “extensive knowledge of internal naming conventions and documentation.”

That operation was publicly tied to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service by cybersecurity experts.

FBI Confirms Broader AI Threat

In May, the FBI issued a warning about malicious actors using AI-generated voice and text messages to impersonate senior U.S. officials. These schemes aim to gain access to personal or professional accounts, and potentially to manipulate additional targets once access is gained.

While the FBI declined to comment on the Rubio impersonation, it has previously said such tactics can be used to elicit sensitive information or financial transfers under false pretenses.

The impersonation episode also follows recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was also the subject of a similar impersonation attempt, now under federal investigation.

As AI-generated content becomes more convincing and accessible, national security experts warn that the threat of deepfake diplomacy and synthetic political manipulation is rapidly escalating.

China, Trump Signal Cautious Optimism for Renewed US-China Cooperation Amid Tough Rhetoric

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China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, expressed hope on Tuesday that the incoming Trump administration would collaborate with Beijing “in a mutually beneficial manner” despite ongoing tensions. Wang’s comments came hours after Donald Trump remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic had strained his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he once considered a “friend.”

“We hope the new U.S. administration will make the right choice and work with China to remove disruptions and overcome obstacles,” Wang stated during a forum in Beijing, according to his ministry’s statement.

Trump, addressing reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort, reflected on his past relations with Xi, acknowledging the pandemic as a breaking point. “We had a very good relationship until COVID,” Trump said. “COVID didn’t end the relationship, but it was a bridge too far for me.” Trump avoided confirming whether Xi would attend his inauguration but emphasized the importance of U.S.-China ties: “China and the United States can together solve all of the problems of the world.”

Trump’s Second Term Agenda and Beijing’s Strategy

Trump has signaled a more confrontational stance toward China as he prepares for his second term. His campaign promises include imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and additional levies exceeding 60% to pressure China on issues like stopping fentanyl exports to the U.S. Trump has also pledged to revoke China’s most-favored-nation trade status—a move that could reshape bilateral trade dynamics.

In response, analysts suggest China is preparing to amass bargaining chips to engage with Trump’s administration on contentious issues such as trade, technology, and investment. Beijing has shown readiness to push back, with Wang Yi emphasizing China’s firm stance: “We firmly oppose the illegal and unreasonable suppression of China by the U.S., particularly on matters like Taiwan.”

Sanctions and Hard-Line Appointments

The diplomatic environment remains volatile as Trump’s choice of China hawks for key positions signals an aggressive approach. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, remains under Chinese sanctions imposed in 2020. Rubio’s prior criticism of Beijing raises questions about how his role would affect bilateral engagement.

China’s move to quietly remove a January 2021 statement sanctioning 28 Trump administration officials from its foreign ministry website has further fueled speculation. When asked about this development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian declined to comment, stating he had “no information to offer.”

Mutual Posturing, Cautious Optimism

Despite the confrontational rhetoric, both sides have hinted at opportunities for collaboration. Trump’s remarks acknowledged the global importance of U.S.-China cooperation, while China continues to position itself for negotiations that balance engagement with resistance to U.S. policies it deems provocative.

As Trump prepares for a second term, Beijing appears both prepared to push back against hard-line policies and cautiously optimistic about finding common ground to stabilize bilateral relations.