In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, former US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to France, threatening to impose staggering 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne exports. The economic threat comes in direct response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to participate in Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’ initiative aimed at addressing global conflicts, including the ongoing situation in Gaza.
The confrontation emerged when Trump, reacting to Macron’s decision to abstain from joining the international peacekeeping board, declared: ‘Nobody wants him because he will be out of office very soon. I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join.’ This statement underscores Trump’s unconventional approach to international diplomacy, using economic leverage to compel political cooperation.
Trump’s Board of Peace concept, initially proposed in September as a mechanism to resolve the Gaza conflict, has since expanded into a broader global initiative. Approximately 60 nations have received draft charters outlining membership requirements, including a substantial $1 billion contribution for extended participation beyond three years. The former president aims to finalize the board’s structure during the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The tariff threat represents the latest chapter in ongoing trade tensions between Trump and European allies. Just days earlier, Trump had warned of imposing 10-25% tariffs on European nations unless they supported his controversial plan to purchase Greenland. French officials have characterized these tactics as diplomatic blackmail, with Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard condemning the approach as ‘shocking because it’s brutal, it’s done to force compliance.’
The United States stands as the world’s largest importer of sparkling wines, purchasing approximately $1.75 billion worth in 2023. Such aggressive tariffs would devastate France’s champagne industry, recalling similar threats made in March during previous EU trade disputes. While those tariffs were never implemented, the renewed warning has sent shockwaves through European diplomatic and trade circles, raising concerns about the future of transatlantic relations should Trump return to power.