Trump Proposes 200% Wine Tariffs if France Rejects Gaza Peace Board

President Trump has announced plans to impose a staggering 200 percent tariff on French wine, particularly Champagne, should President Emmanuel Macron of France decline to join his proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza. This board aims to facilitate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and oversee the reconstruction of Gaza. Trump extended invitations to several countries last week, including France, to participate in this initiative.

Concerns About the Board of Peace

Critics have raised alarms that Trump’s board could potentially undermine the United Nations, an institution Trump has accused of bias and inefficiency. A senior French official announced on Monday that France would not participate, citing significant concerns regarding the board’s charter and its implications for the UN’s role in international peacekeeping.

Trump’s Diplomatic Tactics

Trump stated that if France adopts a “hostile stance,” he would proceed with implementing the steep tariffs on one of France’s notable exports. This move appears to be a strategic tactic aimed at pressuring Macron to comply with Trump’s peace initiative. The U.S. president has increasingly utilized trade threats to advance his diplomatic objectives.

• Trump recently proposed a deal to purchase Greenland, threatening tariffs on various European countries if negotiations did not progress.
• On Saturday, he warned of potential tariffs rising from 10 to 25 percent amid ongoing trade disputes.

French Responses to Tariff Threats

On Tuesday, French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard criticized Trump’s comments as a form of “blackmail.” She condemned the remarks as shocking and brutal, asserting they were intended to force compliance not only from France but also from other invited nations.

Composition of the Board of Peace

Announced on Friday, Trump’s “Board of Peace” is envisioned to play a mediatory role in various global conflicts, extending beyond the Gaza war. Among the countries invited to join are significant U.S. allies, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia, as well as nations with which the U.S. maintains strained relations, including Russia and Belarus. So far, only a few leaders, such as Argentine’s pro-Trump President Javier Milei and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, have expressed an interest in joining.

Historical Context of Tariff Threats

This is not the first instance of Trump threatening France with substantial tariffs. In March of last year, he suggested a 200 percent tariff on European wine amid a growing trade conflict with the European Union. Although he did not follow through on that occasion, it unsettled French Champagne producers, as the U.S. remains their largest overseas market.

Recent Communication Between Trump and Macron

Early Tuesday, Trump shared on Truth Social a message from Macron proposing a Group of 7 meeting following the World Economic Forum in Davos, along with an invitation for dinner. Macron indicated that both leaders shared common ground on matters concerning Syria but expressed confusion regarding the U.S. stance on Greenland. Macron’s office has verified the authenticity of this exchange.