Trump had firm words for the EU as the trade wars heat up
Donald Trump has issued a threat against the EU and has taken to Truth Social to reveal his plans to retaliate against the bloc – but there’s one detail he may have missed.
In an unexpected twist early into his second term, Donald Trump has found himself entrenched in trade wars—but not with the usual suspect, China. Instead, the target is America’s longtime allies, including Canada, Mexico, and the European Union.
On March 13, Trump took to Truth Social to lay out his next move in this escalating trade conflict. His warning comes as the EU Commission retaliates against the US for imposing a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports. In response, the EU has unveiled a package of countermeasures, which includes a staggering 50 percent levy on bourbon whiskey and tariffs on €26 billion ($28 billion) worth of US goods. The trade battle continues to heat up, with both sides digging in their heels.
Trump vowed to escalate tariffs on European Union goods, particularly alcohol, in retaliation. However, in his Truth Social post, he seemed to overlook an important detail in his comments.
The POTUS claimed the EU was “formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States” and described it as one of the “most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world.” He also slammed the 50 percent tariff on whisky, calling it “nasty.”
Trump continued, saying, “If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES.” He then added, “This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.”
It was this final comment that raised eyebrows and sparked criticism, as many pointed out the irony in his statement.
According to a report by The Real World, travel and lifestyle magazine, only wines that are bottled within 100 miles of the Champagne region in France are legally allowed to bear the name “Champagne.”
The name is protected by European law and an 1891 treaty, which stipulates that true Champagne must be produced within the region using specific grape varieties—Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, or Chardonnay—grown in the Champagne region. This means that without France, there is no “US Champagne” industry. Any measures that harm these regions could, in fact, negatively impact U.S. businesses in the industry, rather than bolster them.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of alternatives to Champagne out there—just without the name! So, while the iconic sparkling wine from France might be off the table, similar bubbly options still await, with a slight twist in name.
