President Donald Trump is once again wielding tariffs as diplomatic leverage, this time threatening a 200% levy on French wines and champagnes after French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly declined to join his Gaza 'Board of Peace' initiative.
When reporters in Miami told Trump about Macron's stance, the president appeared caught off guard. "Did he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he will be out of office very soon," Trump responded.
He then made his position crystal clear: if France turns hostile, he'd slap a 200% tariff on their wines and champagnes, and Macron would join. "But he doesn't have to join," Trump added.
A Private Message Goes Public
Trump also took a shot at the French leader by sharing a private message from Macron on Truth Social early Tuesday. In the message, Macron expressed confusion over Trump's Greenland ambitions—a move that turned what was presumably a confidential exchange into very public drama.
The Board of Peace Expands Its Reach
Trump's 'Board of Peace' initiative aims to foster stability in Israel-Gaza and other conflict-affected areas. The catch? Nations need to pony up a minimum contribution of $1 billion to secure a permanent seat.
The initiative has been gaining traction globally, with Hungary and Vietnam accepting invitations to join. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also received invites.
Tariffs as Diplomatic Currency
Using tariffs to push for international cooperation isn't new territory for Trump. In early 2025, the president threatened a 200% tariff on French champagne and EU spirits in retaliation for the EU's tariff on U.S. whiskey.
The stakes are high for France. The U.S. remains the largest market for French liquor exports. According to data from consultancy firm Del Rey AWM, France exported 628.2 million liters of wine worth 5.53 billion euros ($6.49 billion) in the first half of 2025 alone, Vinteur reported in August.
Europe Braces for Impact
Goldman Sachs economist Giovanni Pierdomenico warned that Europe's economic outlook could face renewed pressure after Trump threatened sweeping tariffs on imports from eight European countries unless talks begin over the proposed purchase of Greenland.
For now, French winemakers are watching nervously as diplomatic tensions threaten to turn into a very expensive trade war. Whether Macron changes his mind about the Board of Peace—or whether Trump follows through on his tariff threats—remains to be seen.
