Trump threatens 200% tariff on French wines as Macron reportedly snubs 'Board of Peace' seat

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CNBC Finance

Jan 20, 2026

2 min read

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U.S. President Donald Trump meets with French President Emmanuel Macron during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, New York, U.S., Sept. 23, 2025.
Alexander Drago | Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to impose 200% tariffs on French wines and champagne, as French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly set to refuse joining his "Board of Peace" on Gaza.

When asked for a response by a reporter in Miami, Trump said "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 ... I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he'll join. But he doesn't have to join."

The Board of Peace is a global body endorsed by the United Nations Security Council in November last year, established to oversee the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Invites to various world leaders have been sent to be on the board, including to Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Trump also reiterated his plans to control Greenland, saying that European leaders "won't push back too much."

"We have to have it ... They can't protect it," he added.

The U.S. president threatened to take control of Greenland "whether they (European lawmakers) like it or not," claiming that is was needed for "world security."

On Saturday, he also warned to impose tariffs of up to 25% on eight European countries, including the UK, until the U.S. controls Greenland.

Trump has not ruled out the use of military force to seize the territory, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly said on Jan 6. that Trump would prefer to buy Greenland.

In response, European states are considering retaliatory tariffs and broader punitive economic counter-measures against the U.S.

Published

January 20, 2026

Tuesday at 6:04 AM

Reading Time

2 minutes

~297 words

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