Because of the “Peace Council”
Trump threatens France with 200 percent tariffs
Updated on January 20, 2026 – 8:55 a.mReading time: 1 min.
Wine and champagne in his sights: Trump threatens France with high tariffs in front of journalists in order to ensure participation in the “Peace Council” for Gaza. He has no good words for Macron.
Because of France’s hesitancy to join the “Peace Council” for the Gaza Strip, US President Donald Trump has threatened 200 percent tariffs on wine and champagne. The peace plan stipulates that the body will, among other things, oversee a transitional government for the destroyed coastal area. France confirmed on Monday that it had received an invitation. Those close to the Élysée Palace said that they were examining the proposed legal framework together with partners, but that they currently had no intention of accepting the offer.
Asked by a journalist in Miami what he thought of President Emmanuel Macron’s stance, Trump said: “Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to leave office very soon.” If France does not join the body, he will impose punitive tariffs, Trump said. Then Macron will join – “but he doesn’t have to”.
France will elect a new president in spring 2027. Incumbent Macron is not allowed to run again because the constitution only allows two consecutive terms in office; he has been in office since 2017.
Trump’s tariff policy is legally controversial in the USA. Tariffs he imposed on dozens of trading partners under a 1977 emergency law are being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The question is whether Trump has exceeded his authority. This also involves tariffs on EU products. A Supreme Court decision is still pending.
