President Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne simply because France declined to join his proposed “Board of Peace” related to Gaza.

This has nothing to do with economic fairness, national security, or trade imbalances. It’s a politically motivated punishment aimed at coercing France into supporting a Trump-led international initiative.

According to The New York Times, Trump said the tariffs would apply if France continues its “hostile stance.” French officials, including Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, have rightly described this as “blackmail.”

This is not the first time Trump has used French wine as a bargaining chip. But this time, he’s threatening an entire global industry and escalating tensions with one of America’s oldest allies over a political disagreement.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• French wine is the U.S.’s largest wine import, beloved by consumers and central to many small businesses, distributors, and restaurants.
• A 200% tariff would mean dramatically higher prices, fewer choices, and economic harm for American businesses and wine lovers, not just French exporters.
• Weaponizing wine tariffs for unrelated foreign policy disputes undermines free trade and diplomacy alike.

We, the undersigned, call on President Trump and the U.S. Trade Representative to:

• Immediately withdraw the threat of a 200% tariff on French wine;
• Commit to separating trade policy from unrelated political retaliation;
• Maintain fair and stable transatlantic trade relations, especially in agriculture and consumer goods.

Whether you drink Bordeaux or bubbly, this is about more than wine. It’s about protecting consumers, businesses, and the principle that trade shouldn’t be held hostage to political grudges.

Tell Trump: Hands off French wine. No 200% tariffs. No political price hikes.