Donald Trump seems to have revealed a private message he got from French President Emmanuel Macron before he mentioned imposing 200% tariffs on French wine and Champagne. Trump stated that the tariffs would pressure Macron to participate in his proposed “Board of Peace.” In response to Macron’s statement that he would not join the board, Trump commented that Macron would soon be out of office and threatened to impose high tariffs on French wines and Champagnes. France has indicated its intention to decline the invitation to join the US-proposed initiative, according to a source close to Macron. Trump later posted on Truth Social that Macron had messaged him about Greenland before the tariff threats on France.
A screenshot displays Macron telling Trump that they share common ground on Iran and Syria issues but expressing confusion about Trump’s stance on Greenland. Macron also suggested arranging a meeting with Trump and other G7 leaders post-World Economic Forum in Davos, along with inviting Trump for dinner in Paris on Thursday.
The ‘Board of Peace’ was initially introduced last September to supervise the reconstruction of war-ravaged Gaza. However, Trump expanded its scope to play a broader role in global conflict resolution in an invitation extended to world leaders last week. A draft proposal to approximately 60 countries requests members to contribute $1 billion in cash for a membership lasting over three years. Australia, Brazil, Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, New Zealand, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Vietnam are among the nations asked to join the board. Trump also disclosed inviting Putin, who is reportedly contemplating the offer.