Trump takes step that could expand his trade war, targeting the way other countries treat U.S. tech firms

“In the current moment, it is just picking another fight with our allies on trade at a time when the administration’s trade agenda — particularly with China — is unraveling,” said Edward Alden, a professor at Western Washington University. “It’s hard to see why the administration wants another fight.”

Jason Oxman, chief executive of the Information Technology Industry Council, which includes Amazon, Facebook and Google, endorsed the administration action and expressed hopes for a negotiated solution.