US President Donald Trump has said he will slap a massive 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes, linking the move to French President Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to join his proposed Board of Peace initiative.
Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested the tariff would push Macron to change his mind. When asked about Macron saying he would not join the board, Trump responded, “Did he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he will be out of office very soon.”
Trump threatens 200% tariff on French wines
Trump went on to repeat his threat, saying the tariff would change Macron’s mind, even though joining the board is not compulsory. “I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join,” Trump said.
However, according to Reuters, despite Trump’s comments, France is not planning to be part of the initiative at this stage. A source close to President Macron said on Monday that France intends to decline the invitation for now, according to Reuters. The source made it clear that Paris has not changed its position following Trump’s remarks.
India carefully weighs Trump’s invite to join Gaza Peace Board
Meanwhile, New Delhi is carefully weighing the pros and cons of an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the Board of Peace for Gaza. According to The Indian Express, the issue was discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent conversation with visiting UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, signalling how seriously India is taking the matter.
India has so far taken a very cautious approach to the Middle East conflict. The region is crucial for India’s energy security and is home to nearly nine million Indians. Trump’s invitation has therefore thrown up several difficult questions for Delhi.
According to The Indian Express, officials are weighing the consequences of saying no, whether joining the board would challenge the authority of the United Nations, what exactly the board’s charter allows, how other major countries respond, and whether India risks being sidelined if Pakistan takes a seat at the table. Another concern is how reliable Trump himself would be over time.
The US has already imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India. With Trump presenting the board as a “bold new approach in resolving global conflict”, Delhi is aware that rejecting the offer could carry further consequences. According to The Indian Express, one major issue under consideration is whether the peace board would weaken or sideline the United Nations, which India sees as the primary global body for peace and conflict resolution. One major issue under consideration is whether the peace board would weaken or sideline the United Nations, which India sees as the primary global body for peace and conflict resolution.
How other countries are responding
Russia has confirmed receiving the invitation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin is “studying the details.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK is discussing the proposal with allies. France, meanwhile, has signalled reluctance. Germany said it would first examine what contribution it can make towards a lasting solution to the Gaza conflict.
According to a draft charter seen by Reuters, countries that want to stay on the board for more than three years would need to make a major financial contribution. The document says members would have to put in $1 billion in cash to keep their long-term membership.