Trump Threatens 200% Tariffs On French Wine Over Peace Board Snub

LEAD: President Donald J. Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes if French President Emmanuel Macron does not join the U.S.-led Board of Peace, making the comment during remarks in Davos and in a Truth Social post on Jan. 20, 2026.

CONTEXT: The threat follows a Jan. 19, 2026 statement from the Elysee Palace saying France would not join the proposed Board of Peace because it could undermine the United Nations framework, and comes as the administration circulated a draft charter to about 60 countries that calls for $1 billion contributions for memberships beyond three years, according to U.S. officials.

RESPONSE: An Elysee aide said the presidency 'took note' of Trump's remarks and called tariff threats to influence a third country's foreign policy 'unacceptable,' while French Farm Minister Annie Genevard called the plan 'brutal' and urged Europe to prepare countermeasures, and a source close to Macron said France intended to decline the invitation.

SCALE: The United States imported 3.8 billion euros of French wine and spirits in 2024, industry group FEVS said exporters reported a 20% to 25% drop in U.S. activity in the second half of 2025, and European officials are considering a 93 billion-euro retaliatory package including the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument, according to EU and industry sources.

FORWARD: The White House plans further outreach at this week's Davos events and at a planned G7 meeting in Paris on Jan. 22, 2026 while EU leaders weigh formal countermeasures, and trade tensions could escalate if the administration moves to impose a 200% tariff, diplomatic sources said.