Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne. This comes after France indicated it may decline Trump’s invitation to join his Board of Peace.
The board was originally created to oversee rebuilding efforts in Gaza. However, its charter reportedly does not limit its role to the Palestinian territory. Trump insisted that France must participate. “I’ll put a 200 percent tariff on his wines and champagnes. And he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to join,” he said, referring to French President Emmanuel Macron.
A source close to Macron told AFP that France “does not intend to answer favorably” to the invitation. The source added that the Board of Peace’s charter “goes beyond the sole framework of Gaza.”
Trump also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the board. “Yes, he’s been invited,” Trump told reporters in Florida. Earlier reports from Moscow had already mentioned the invitation.
The Board of Peace aims to involve international leaders in efforts to rebuild conflict-affected areas. Trump’s approach, however, has raised questions about the board’s scope and the political motives behind the invitations.
In addition to the board issue, Trump commented on his Greenland plans. He said he does not expect European leaders to push back strongly. “I don’t think they’re gonna push back too much. We have to have it. They have to have this done,” he said.
The U.S.-France tension over the board highlights ongoing diplomatic challenges. Analysts note that imposing tariffs over a diplomatic refusal is an unusual step. Meanwhile, invitations to leaders like Putin show the broad reach Trump envisions for the Board of Peace.
The situation remains fluid, with France maintaining its position while the U.S. signals readiness to take economic measures. Observers are watching closely to see how other nations respond to Trump’s international initiative.
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