Trump Threatens 200% Tariffs if Macron Rejects Joining the Peace Council

SadaNews - The American President Donald Trump criticized his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for rejecting to join the proposed "Peace Council," threatening the possibility of imposing a 200% tariff on champagne.

Trump told reporters on Monday evening local time, following being informed of Emmanuel Macron's rejection of his invitation: "Well, no one wants him because he will be leaving office very soon." He added, "I will impose a 200% tariff on the wine and champagne he produces, and then he will join."

Macron's second term is set to end next year, and he has repeatedly pledged not to leave his position before the end of his term.

Membership Criteria for the "Peace Council"

The Trump administration requires countries seeking a permanent seat at the council to contribute no less than one billion dollars. According to a draft charter for the proposed group seen by "Bloomberg," Trump will preside over the council in its first term, granting him the authority to decide on membership matters.

A person close to the French president stated earlier that he does not intend to accept the invitation. He added that Macron sees the charter as exceeding the scope of Gaza and raises serious concerns, particularly regarding respect for the principles of the United Nations and its institutional framework, which France considers non-negotiable.

Trump also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been invited to join the council, without disclosing further details.

International Invitations to Join the "Peace Council"

Trump has extended invitations to several world leaders, including Argentina's President Javier Milei and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, to join the peace council concerning Gaza, which will be formed under the broader umbrella of the new peace council he initiated. Several European countries have also been invited to join the peace council, according to informed sources.

According to insiders, Trump aims to sign the complete constitution of the committee and define its scope of powers in Davos on Thursday. However, some specific details in the formulations have raised questions among invitees about whether they should accept.

Critics fear that Trump is about to create an alternative or a competing entity to the United Nations, which he has long criticized.