Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark threat against France, proposing to impose massive 200% tariffs on French wines and champagnes. This aggressive move aims to pressure French President Emmanuel Macron into joining Trump's newly proposed Board of Peace initiative, which seeks to resolve global conflicts through diplomatic means.
Trump's Tariff Ultimatum
Trump made his intentions clear in a recent statement, directly targeting French luxury beverages. "I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he'll join, but he doesn't have to join," Trump declared. This economic pressure tactic represents a significant escalation in Trump's efforts to gather international support for his peace initiative.
When questioned about Macron's apparent reluctance to participate in the board, Trump responded dismissively. "Did he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he will be out of office very soon," he remarked, casting doubt on Macron's political future while pushing his agenda.
Macron's Diplomatic Outreach
President Macron, currently attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, attempted diplomatic outreach through private text messages. Trump shared a screenshot of these messages on his Truth Social platform, revealing Macron's proposed diplomatic solutions.
In the messages, Macron expressed alignment with the United States on several key issues. "We are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran," Macron wrote. However, he raised a pointed question about Trump's Greenland policy, stating clearly, "I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland."
Proposed G7 Meeting and Dinner Invitation
Macron offered concrete diplomatic steps in his messages. He proposed organizing a G7 meeting in Paris immediately following the Davos summit. "I can set up a G7 meeting after Davos in Paris on Thursday afternoon," Macron suggested. He specifically mentioned inviting representatives from Ukraine, Denmark, Syria, and Russia to participate in the discussions.
The French president extended a personal invitation to Trump as well. "Let us have a dinner together in Paris together on Thursday before you go back to the US," Macron wrote, attempting to create a more informal setting for diplomatic dialogue.
Missing Response and Ongoing Tensions
Trump's social media post only showed Macron's messages, leaving his response unknown. The snapshot did not include any reply from Trump, creating uncertainty about how he addressed Macron's proposals and concerns.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two leaders, particularly regarding international cooperation and specific policy decisions like those concerning Greenland. The tariff threat adds economic pressure to what appears to be a complex diplomatic relationship.
Macron's schedule shows him returning to Paris from Davos on Tuesday evening, setting the stage for potential further developments in this diplomatic standoff. The proposed Thursday meeting and dinner now hang in the balance as Trump's tariff threat looms over French exports.
