Trump Threatens 200% Tariff on French Wine Amid Dispute Over Gaza Peace Board

President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagne, responding to reports that French President Emmanuel Macron is unwilling to join the U.S.-backed "Board of Peace" on Gaza. The comments came during a press interaction in Miami, where Trump was asked about Macron’s reported reluctance to participate in the international body. Trump dismissed Macron’s influence, saying, “Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon. So you know, that’s all right. What I’ll do is, 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.”

Macron’s current term as president of France is set to end in May 2027, and French law prevents him from seeking a third term. The Board of Peace was established by a United Nations Security Council resolution in November last year. Its stated purpose is to oversee the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but its charter allows for broader involvement in global peace efforts. Invitations have been extended to several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A source close to Macron told Agence France-Presse that France does not intend to accept the invitation. The source said the board’s charter “goes beyond the sole framework of Gaza,” suggesting concerns about the scope of its mandate.

Trump also reiterated his interest in Greenland during his remarks, downplaying potential resistance from European countries. “I don’t think they’re going to push back too much,” he said. “We have to have it ... They can’t protect it.” He referenced Denmark’s historical claims over Greenland but argued that past exploration did not confer ownership. “Just because the boat went there 500 years ago and then left, that doesn’t give you title to property,” Trump said. Denmark has administered Greenland since 1721 and made it an official part of the kingdom in 1953. In 2009, Greenland gained self-government but remains under Danish control for foreign policy and defense.

Last Friday, Trump threatened to take control of Greenland “whether they [European lawmakers] like it or not,” citing world security as justification. On Saturday, he warned of tariffs up to 25% on eight European countries, including the UK, until the U.S. gains control over Greenland. Trump has not ruled out military action but Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly said earlier this month that Trump would prefer to purchase Greenland.

European governments are now considering retaliatory tariffs and other economic measures against the United States in response to Trump’s threats. The situation has raised concerns among wine producers in France and importers in the United States about potential disruptions to trade if tariffs are imposed.

The White House has not provided further details on how or when such tariffs might be implemented or whether formal steps have been taken toward acquiring Greenland. French officials have not commented publicly beyond confirming their position on the Board of Peace invitation. The developments come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and several European capitals over trade policy and international cooperation on security issues.