Overview
- At the World Economic Forum, President Donald Trump said he threatened tariffs on French goods, including a 100% levy on wines and champagnes, to force higher drug prices in France.
- The French presidency publicly rebutted the account on X, labeling it fake news, stressing that prices have remained stable, and posting a meme of Trump mouthing the words “fake news.”
- Trump tied his remarks to his push for voluntary “Most Favored Nation” deals with drugmakers and argued that lower prices abroad contribute to higher costs in the United States.
- He also mocked Macron’s aviator sunglasses in Davos and has floated tariffs as leverage in other disputes, with recent references to potential 200% duties on French wine.
- The spat adds to strains in U.S.–French relations reported in recent months, and officials note France set up the @frenchresponse account last year to challenge what it calls false narratives.