President Donald Trump warned of 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne after Emmanuel Macron declared France would skip Davos and rejected US pressure over Greenland. Macron called Trump’s tariff threats “unacceptable” on X Saturday, vowing no intimidation would sway Europe on Ukraine, Greenland, or elsewhere. “Europeans will react together if they are implemented,” the French president stated. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the rhetoric surprising but emphasized US military presence strengthens Arctic security through coordination. Tensions spike as Trump prepares his Davos address Wednesday.
The US leader also invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to his proposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” aiming to redevelop the enclave post-conflict. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq fielded questions Monday without confirming any secretary-general invitation. Haq noted various global groupings exist alongside the UN, adding details would determine any formal relationship. Reports of a $1 billion permanent membership fee drew no verification from the spokesman.
Trump plans a Davos special address Wednesday, meeting business leaders and Forum officials. Thursday brings the Board of Peace charter signing, inviting nations to join Gaza reconstruction under his peace plan. Macron’s Davos absence signals deeper rift, following French pushes for EU “trade bazooka” activation against US levies. European unity hardens against perceived economic coercion.
Macron Draws Line on Sovereignty
France coordinates with Brussels and allies, eyeing retaliatory tariffs on US goods if February deadlines hit. Denmark welcomes NATO exercises while rejecting sale talks. Rasmussen highlighted ongoing European Commission dialogues. Trump’s Greenland fixation cites Russian and Chinese Arctic moves, demanding full control for US security.
European leaders converge on non-negotiable sovereignty. Germany’s Friedrich Merz backed Denmark publicly. Macron’s stance echoes his prior EU summit calls for collective defense against trade weapons. Davos timing amplifies the standoff, with Trump’s speech looming.
Davos Spotlights Trade Flashpoint
The World Economic Forum gathers amid highest transatlantic strains since 2018 steel duties. Trump’s board seeks buy-in from adversaries and allies alike. Putin invitation shocks traditional partners while Gaza reconstruction estimates run billions.
UN neutrality sidesteps endorsement, watching charter details emerge. Davos business crowd awaits Trump’s tariff roadmap. Markets brace for French luxury goods hits alongside broader European exposure. Macron bets European solidarity outweighs isolated US pressure.
