By Trendsetter Tribune 
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a sweeping 200% tariff on French wine and Champagne after France signaled it may decline an invitation to join his proposed “Board of Peace.”
The warning, delivered through social media and echoed by U.S. allies, marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Paris. Trump framed the potential tariffs as retaliation for what he described as France’s refusal to support a U.S.-led peace initiative, which he has promoted as a cornerstone of his foreign policy agenda.
French officials have not formally rejected the invitation but have raised concerns about the structure, cost, and authority of the Board of Peace, as well as its overlap with existing international institutions. Those reservations appear to have angered Trump, who has increasingly tied trade policy to diplomatic loyalty.
The threat rattled markets and alarmed European exporters, particularly France’s powerful wine and spirits industry, which relies heavily on U.S. consumers. Industry groups warned that such tariffs would hurt producers, distributors, and American buyers alike, while inviting swift retaliation from the European Union.
BREAKING: Donald Trump threatens a 200% tariffs on French wine and Champagne over France's intentions to decline invitation to join his Board of Peace
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) January 20, 2026
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Critics say the move underscores Trump’s willingness to weaponize tariffs for political leverage, even against long-standing allies. Supporters argue it reflects a tougher negotiating style aimed at forcing international cooperation on U.S. terms.
For now, the tariffs remain a threat rather than a formal policy, but the episode adds to growing uncertainty around U.S.–Europe relations as Trump presses ahead with his unconventional diplomatic strategy.