US President Donald Trump publicly mocked French President Emmanuel Macron's sunglasses during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, while simultaneously threatening new tariffs against France over multiple disputes. The remarks underscore escalating trade tensions between Washington and European allies at the annual gathering of global leaders.
Trump referenced Macron's appearance, asking: «What the hell happened?» and commenting on «those beautiful sunglasses» worn by the French leader. Macron's office previously stated he wore the eyewear due to a burst blood vessel in his eye, a condition described last week as «totally benign» and «completely insignificant» following his appearance at a military event in southern France.
Tariff threats over drug prices and Greenland
The US president accused France of taking advantage of America on prescription drugs for over three decades. He threatened a 25 per cent tariff on French goods and a 100 per cent tariff on French wines and champagnes, stating: «If you don't, I'm putting a 25 per cent tariff on everything you're selling to the United States, I'm putting a 100 per cent tariff on your wines and champagnes.» He added: «I like him, I actually like him. Hard to believe, isn't it?»
Trump also warned of tariffs on EU goods linked to the Greenland dispute with Denmark: 10 per cent from February 1, rising to 25 per cent from June 1.
Macron warns of EU retaliation
Speaking Tuesday at the forum, Macron called Washington's tariff threats «fundamentally unacceptable» and vowed France would stand up to «bullies.» He warned additional US tariffs could force the European Union to deploy a «trade bazooka» anti-coercion mechanism.
«The crazy thing is that we could find ourselves in a situation where we use the anti-coercion mechanism for the very first time against the United States,» Macron said. «Can you imagine it? It's crazy. I regret it, but it is the consequence of unnecessary aggressiveness. Still, we must all remain calm.»
"Board of Peace" rejection
Macron also refused to join Trump's proposed "Board of Peace," which French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot alleged was presented as a replacement for the United Nations. Trump responded to reporters: «Nobody wants him because he's going to be out of office very soon.» He threatened: «I'll put a 200 per cent tariff on his wines and champagnes and he'll join.» Trump then added: «But he doesn't have to join.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
