President Donald Trump threatened to slap a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne if France continues to refuse joining his newly formed Board of Peace initiative, escalating diplomatic tensions with a key European ally.
“I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he’ll join,” Trump declared, dismissing French reluctance by adding, “Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon.”
What is the Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace, established by President Trump on January 15, 2026, represents his administration’s ambitious effort to end the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza through a comprehensive 20-point ceasefire plan. Trump has characterized it as “the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place” — typical Trumpian hyperbole that masks what appears to be a serious diplomatic initiative.
The initiative will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and rebuilding efforts, though interestingly, the charter draft doesn’t directly mention Gaza, suggesting Trump may have broader ambitions for the organization.
An executive committee has been tasked with implementing the second phase of Trump’s plan, including international security arrangements, Hamas disarmament, and comprehensive reconstruction efforts.
Who’s In, Who’s Out
So far, the Board’s membership includes a somewhat eclectic mix of nations. While some reports indicate that more than 10 countries have committed to the initiative, publicly confirmed members include the United States (with Trump as chair), Albania, Argentina, Belarus, Canada, Kazakhstan, Morocco, and Paraguay.
The United Arab Emirates recently announced their participation, with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasizing that “the UAE’s decision reflects the importance of fully implementing President Donald J. Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which is critical for the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
Permanent membership doesn’t come cheap. Countries seeking a seat at the table must commit to a $1 billion contribution, according to sources familiar with the arrangement.
Power Players
The Executive Board features several Trump loyalists and international figures, with Secretary Marco Rubio, real estate magnate Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner all securing prominent roles. Former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, private equity executive Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and businessman Robert Gabriel round out the leadership team, each overseeing specific portfolios ranging from governance to reconstruction and funding.
Why target France specifically with the wine tariff threat? Trump’s comments suggest impatience with what he perceives as European foot-dragging on his signature foreign policy initiative, particularly as he seeks to demonstrate rapid progress on international commitments made during his campaign.
France, with its permanent UN Security Council seat and significant diplomatic influence, would represent a major endorsement for Trump’s plan — and the president clearly isn’t above using economic leverage to secure it.
Whether the tariff threat represents serious policy or merely Trump’s characteristic negotiating style remains to be seen. But with billions in French wine exports potentially at stake, the wine industry could become an unexpected pawn in the high-stakes diplomacy surrounding Gaza’s future.
