In a dramatic escalation of transatlantic tensions, former US President Donald Trump has publicly revealed private communications from French leader Emmanuel Macron, swiftly followed by a severe economic threat against a iconic French industry.
Private Messages Made Public
The incident unfolded on 20 January 2026, when Trump took to his Truth Social platform to share details of a private text exchange. The content of the messages centred on Greenland, the vast autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which has long been a subject of geopolitical interest.
By publishing these communications, Trump effectively leaked a private diplomatic discussion he had with President Macron. The move breaks with longstanding conventions of confidentiality between world leaders and is likely to strain diplomatic channels further.
The Tariff Threat Retaliation
Following the revelation of the texts, Trump issued a stark warning aimed squarely at the French economy. He threatened to impose a staggering 200% tariff on imports of French wine and Champagne to the United States.
Such a punitive duty, if enacted, would devastate a major export market for French vineyards and champagne houses. The US is one of the largest importers of French sparkling wine, and a tariff of this magnitude would likely price many premium bottles out of the market, causing significant financial damage to the industry.
Broader Implications and Fallout
This sequence of events—from the leak to the tariff threat—signals a potential return to the volatile trade policies that characterised Trump's previous term in office. It underscores his willingness to leverage economic measures in response to personal or diplomatic grievances.
The targeting of Champagne, a product synonymous with French luxury and national identity, is seen as a particularly symbolic blow. Analysts suggest this could be the opening salvo in a renewed trade dispute between the US and the European Union, with France often at the forefront of EU trade policy.
Furthermore, the decision to publicise private correspondence with a key NATO ally raises serious questions about the future of diplomatic trust and back-channel negotiations. The reaction from the Élysée Palace and the broader international community is awaited with keen interest as this breaking story develops.
