'My friend...': Trump shares Macron's private text amid Greenland standoff
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has made public what appeared to be a private text message from French President Emmanuel Macron. The message was shared on Trump's Truth Social platform amid his renewed push for the US to acquire Greenland, which has triggered sharp rebukes across Europe. "Note from President Emmanuel Macron, of France," Trump wrote on Truth Social, sharing a screenshot of the text message
Diplomatic proposal
Macron's message suggested potential G7 meeting in Paris
The message read, "My friend, We are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland." Macron's message also hinted at a possible Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Paris after the World Economic Forum in Davos. He proposed inviting Ukrainians, Danes, Syrians, and Russians to the meeting. The French President also suggested a private dinner between the two leaders.
Message
Trump announced 200% tariffs on France
After some time, Trump announced that he would impose 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne over Paris's intentions to decline his invitation to join his "Board of Peace." "I'll put a 200 percent tariff...and he'll join, but he doesn't have," Trump said when asked about Macron's decision. According to Reuters, a draft charter issued by the US government to approximately 60 countries asks members to contribute US$1 billion in cash for membership of more than three years.
Tariff threat
Trump threatens tariffs on European goods over Greenland
Trump's posts come as he ramps up pressure on Denmark and other European nations to agree to the US's acquisition of Greenland. He announced a 10% tariff on goods from several European countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Finland. The tariffs will come into effect from February 1 unless a deal over Greenland is reached.
Nobel connection
Trump links tariff threats to Nobel Peace Prize snub
Trump has linked his tough stance on Greenland to last year's decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize. He told Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in a text message released by the White House that he no longer felt "an obligation to think purely of Peace." This remark has further escalated tensions between Washington and its closest allies over Greenland's future.
Collective rebuke
European nations condemn Trump's tariff threats
In response to Trump's actions, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Finland issued a joint statement condemning his tariff threats. They warned that such actions "undermine transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral." Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said "we will not allow ourselves to be put under pressure," calling Trump's threats unacceptable between close allies. Macron called the tariff threat "unacceptable," stressing that Europe "will not be swayed by any intimidation."