President Donald J. Trump announced today a significant escalation in U.S. trade policy, threatening to impose 200% tariffs on French wines and champagnes. The move comes in direct response to reports that French President Emmanuel Macron intends to decline an invitation to join the “Board of Peace,” the United Nations-endorsed body tasked with overseeing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
Speaking to reporters in Miami, President Trump dismissed the long-term political relevance of the French leader while emphasizing the use of economic leverage to ensure international cooperation.
“Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” President Trump stated, referring to the conclusion of President Macron’s term in 2027. “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.”
Trump threatens 200% tariff on French wine over Macron’s refusal to join ‘Board of Peace’
➡️ https://t.co/1isKO5R2L9 pic.twitter.com/dU87Of8HKj— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) January 20, 2026
The “Board of Peace,” established via UN Security Council endorsement in November, serves as a central pillar of the administration’s regional stability strategy. Invitations have been extended to several global heads of state, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Greenland, and European Security
In addition to the trade dispute with France, President Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing Greenland, citing its critical importance to “world security.” The President dismissed European resistance to the proposal, arguing that current territorial claims are insufficient to provide the necessary defense infrastructure for the region.
“I don’t think they’re going to push back too much. We have to have it… They can’t protect it,” the President said. He further addressed Denmark’s historical presence on the island, stating, “[Just] because the boat went there 500 years ago and then left, that doesn’t give you title to property.”
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The administration has indicated that the U.S. remains prepared to take control of the territory to ensure Arctic security. This follows previous warnings issued on Friday that the U.S. would implement 25% tariffs on eight European nations, including the United Kingdom, should progress on the Greenland transition be obstructed.
Economic Outlook and Retaliation
While Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously expressed a preference for a negotiated purchase of the territory, the administration has not ruled out alternative measures to secure U.S. interests.
In response to these developments, European Union lawmakers have begun internal discussions regarding retaliatory trade measures. The U.S. Department of Commerce remains poised to implement the President’s tariff directives on French luxury goods should diplomatic efforts regarding the Board of Peace remain stalled.
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