Trump Threatens 200% Tariffs on French Wine Over ‘Board of Peace’ Snub

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne after France indicated it would not join his proposed international “Board of Peace”, an initiative the White House says is aimed at mediating global conflicts.

The warning followed remarks from an aide to French President Emmanuel Macron, who said Paris “does not intend” to accept an invitation to participate in the board.

“Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” Trump said when asked about Macron’s apparent refusal. “I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join.”

Macron’s five-year presidential term is due to end in May 2027, and French law bars him from seeking a third term.

The “Board of Peace” was first floated by Trump in September 2025 as part of his proposal to end the war in Gaza. The concept has since expanded into what U.S. officials describe as a broader conflict-mediation body.

A draft charter circulated by Washington to around 60 countries, and seen by Reuters, calls for member states to contribute $1 billion in cash to secure membership beyond three years. The document proposes that Trump serve as the board’s inaugural chairman and oversee membership decisions.

Invitations have reportedly been sent to several global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Critics have raised concerns that the proposed board could undermine the existing United Nations framework, while the scale of invitations has prompted questions about its mandate and decision-making authority.

Tensions between Washington and European capitals have also been heightened by a separate trade dispute involving Greenland. The U.S. has warned that eight European countries could face a 10% tariff on exports to the United States from February 1, rising to 25% in June, unless they back a U.S. proposal to purchase the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

The countries named include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.

European Union member states have reiterated support for Greenland’s right to self-determination and Denmark’s sovereignty, while weighing potential countermeasures. Options under discussion include retaliatory tariffs on billions of euros’ worth of U.S. goods and the possible use of the EU’s anti-coercion instrument.

“I don’t think they’re going to push back too much,” Trump said of European leaders. “We have to have it… They can’t protect it.”