Tim Sweeney, the outspoken CEO of Epic Games, has hit out at some of the world’s biggest tech companies, accusing them of using politics to protect their own interests. In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), Sweeney criticized Apple, Google, Metaand others for pandering to President-elect Donald Trump, calling it a self-serving move that alienates small businesses and consumers.
Sweeney accused Big Tech leaders of pretending to be Democrats, but somehow now pretending to be Republicans just to stay in the new administration’s good graces. He didn’t hold back, calling the effort to discredit competition law a “vile monopoly.”
Epic’s clash with the tech titans continues
Sweeney’s frustration stems from his company’s ongoing legal battles with Apple and Google over how mobile apps are distributed. Epic Games has been fighting to get around the high fees and restrictions of app stores by trying to deliver games like Fortnite directly to users. These battles, which have made headlines around the world, reflect the growing tension between big tech and smaller innovators seeking to level the playing field.
Trump’s strategic support for big tech
As Trump prepares to move into the Oval Office, big tech players are making moves to get on his good side. Apple and Google reportedly donated $1 million each to Trump’s inauguration Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg allegedly stopped moderating Facebook content to appease Trump supporters. Amazon joined the party with a similar donation, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang publicly praised Trump’s leadership, though no financial contributions from the chipmaker were reported.
Such alignment with the Trump administration, Sweeney suggests, could undermine efforts to ensure fair competition. Critics share his concern, fearing that Trump’s policies could ease pressure on monopolistic practices. While FTC Chairwoman Lina Hahn remains a staunch supporter of antitrust enforcement, there is skepticism about how much support her program will receive under the new administration.
The Bigger Picture: Small vs. Big Tech
Sweeney’s scathing criticism underscores a widening divide in the tech world. While giants like Apple and Google continue to dominate, smaller players like Epic Games are pushing back against what they see as unfair practices. Observers see the recent donations and policy changes by Big Tech as deliberate moves to ease regulatory scrutiny and maintain its dominance.
Sweeney, however, remains determined to challenge what he calls Apple and Google’s “totally broken worldview.” While his fight had some success in Europe, progress in the United States was slower. As the Trump administration takes charge, the battle lines in the tech industry are becoming clearer, setting the stage for a fight over competition and fairness.
