US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a sweeping 200 percent tariff on French wine and Champagne, escalating tensions with France after President Emmanuel Macron declined to join Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” initiative.
Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested the tariff threat could pressure Macron into reconsidering his decision. When asked about the French leader’s refusal, Trump responded, “Did he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he will be out of office very soon.”
Trump then added, “I’ll put a 200 percent tariff on his wines and Champagnes, and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join.”
Despite the warning, France has no intention of participating in the initiative at this stage. A source close to Macron confirmed on Monday that Paris plans to decline the invitation.
The Board of Peace was first proposed by Trump last September during an announcement outlining his plan to end the war in Gaza. However, invitations sent to world leaders last week significantly expanded the scope of the initiative, positioning it as a global conflict-resolution body.
According to a draft charter reviewed by Reuters, the US administration has contacted roughly 60 countries. The document states that member nations would be required to contribute $1 billion in cash to retain their membership beyond an initial three-year period.
The proposal has been met with skepticism across diplomatic circles. Several governments reacted cautiously on Sunday, with diplomats warning that the initiative could undermine the role and authority of the United Nations in international peacekeeping efforts.
On Monday, Trump also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the Board of Peace. “He’s been invited,” Trump said, without providing further details on Moscow’s response.
The tariff threat against France comes just days after Washington announced that eight European countries would face a 10 percent tariff on exports to the United States starting February 1, unless they back a US proposal involving the purchase of a semi-autonomous Danish territory. The tariff rate is expected to rise to 25 percent in June if no agreement is reached.
The countries named in the warning include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Also Read: Trump Ties Greenland Push to Nobel Peace Prize Snub
