US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200 per cent tariff on French wines and champagnes, linking the move to his efforts to rally support for a proposed international “Board of Peace” aimed at resolving global conflicts.
Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested the tariff threat could pressure French President Emmanuel Macron into joining the initiative, despite indications from Paris that France is not interested. When told that Macron did not plan to participate, Trump responded dismissively, saying the French leader would soon be out of office and adding that “nobody wants him”.
“I’ll put a 200 per cent tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join — but he doesn’t have to,” Trump said, framing the proposed trade measure as leverage rather than a formal condition.
France, however, is expected to decline the invitation for now. A source close to Macron told Reuters on Monday that Paris does not intend to take part at this stage.
Trump first floated the idea of creating a Board of Peace last September, when he announced plans to end the war in Gaza. Invitations sent to global leaders last week indicate a far broader mandate, with the body envisaged as a forum to address conflicts worldwide.
According to a draft charter seen by Reuters, countries seeking membership beyond an initial three-year period would be required to contribute USD 1 billion in cash. The proposal has prompted a cautious response from several governments, with diplomats warning that the initiative could undermine the role of the United Nations.
Adding to the controversy, Trump said on Monday that he has also invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the proposed body. “He’s been invited,” Trump said, offering no further details.
The tariff threat and the peace board proposal come amid heightened scrutiny of Trump’s foreign policy approach, which has increasingly blended trade pressure with diplomatic outreach.
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