During a 19/1 meeting in Miami, Florida, US President Donald Trump was asked by a reporter about French President Emmanuel Macron's statement that he would not participate in the Gaza Peace Council initiative. This council, proposed by Mr. Trump, aims to resolve global conflicts.

Mr. Trump responded, "Did he say that? Well, nobody wants him to join anyway because he'll be out of office soon. If he wants to be hostile like that, I'll impose 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne. He'll have to join, but it's not mandatory."

Following Mr. Trump's statement, AFP news agency quoted an official close to Mr. Macron, who called the 200% tariff threat "unacceptable" and "ineffective." Earlier, media outlets citing informed sources within the French government reported that President Macron intended to decline the US invitation to join the Peace Council at this stage.

US President Donald Trump in Florida in 12/2025. *Photo: AFP*

President Macron's five-year term is set to conclude in 5/2027, and under French law, he is not permitted to run for a third term.

Mr. Trump first proposed the idea of establishing the Peace Council when he announced his plan to end hostilities in the Gaza Strip in 9/2025. The US President described it as "the most excellent and prestigious council ever established." Invitations to join the council were extended to approximately 60 countries.

According to Mr. Trump's peace plan, phase one of a Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement began on 10/10/2025. This phase involves the exchange of Israeli hostages held by the armed group Hamas and its allies for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Subsequently, the Israeli military would partially withdraw, while retaining control over most of the Gaza Strip territory.

Phase two of the agreement would initiate a process of "complete demilitarization and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, with a focus on disarming all illegal armed entities."

Ngoc Anh (Based on AFP, Reuters)