President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes if France continues to snub his proposed international “Board of Peace.”
Trump made the remarks during a press exchange in Miami when asked about reports that French President Emmanuel Macron would not participate in the new global initiative, according to CNBC.
The board, backed by the United Nations Security Council, was established in late 2025 to oversee the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“Have you invited President Putin to be a member of the Board of Peace?” a reporter asked Trump.
“Yeah, he’s been invited,” Trump replied.
Asked about Macron reportedly refusing the invitation, Trump said, “Oh, did he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon. So, you know, that’s all right.”
He continued: “What I’ll do is, if they feel like [being] hostile, I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to join.”
Macron’s current term as president runs until May 2027, and French law bars him from seeking a third term.
Trump also appeared to question the accuracy of the report, saying, “If he said that, you’re probably giving it to me a little bit differently. But if he actually did say that … as you know, he’s going to be out of office in a few months.”
The Board of Peace has invited several global leaders to take part, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Trump Revives Greenland Takeover Plan
Trump’s comments on Macron weren’t the only eyebrow-raising remarks he made.
The president also reiterated his ambitions to control Greenland, a territory that has long been under Danish authority.
Denmark formally made Greenland part of its kingdom in 1953 and granted it self-government in 2009, although Denmark still oversees its foreign affairs and defense.
“I don’t think they’re going to push back too much,” Trump said about European reaction.
“We have to have it … They can’t protect it.”
He criticized Denmark’s claim to Greenland, referencing an unclear historical event:
“[Just] because the boat went there 500 years ago and then left, that doesn’t give you title to property.”
Tariff Threats Expand Beyond France
On Friday, Trump declared that the U.S. would take control of Greenland “whether they [European lawmakers] like it or not,” arguing that doing so is essential for “world security.”
On Saturday, he went a step further, warning of up to 25% tariffs on eight European nations, including the U.K., until the U.S. gains control of the island.
While Trump has not ruled out using military force, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly stated that Trump would prefer a purchase.
In response, European leaders are weighing retaliatory economic actions and other countermeasures.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
Trump’s comments have added tension to U.S. relations with France and Denmark, both longtime allies.
Threatening a 200% tariff on one of France’s most famous exports, wine and champagne, is a bold move that has raised eyebrows internationally.
So far, France hasn’t officially responded, and Macron hasn’t confirmed whether he turned down the Board of Peace offer.
Things are still unfolding as Trump continues to promote his foreign policy ideas through direct language and aggressive trade talk.
IMAGE CREDIT: “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.