After the European Union announced a 50% tariff on American whiskey, President Donald Trump faced immediate mockery after he threatened a 200% tariff on alcohol from France and other European nations—and touted, of all things, "American champagne."
The threat follows the European Union's decision to reinstate an import tax on American whiskey, a move that motivated Trump to declare the EU "one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World" in a post on Truth Social.
The European Commission, the EU's executive body, had announced it would retaliate against U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum by reinstating previous levies on American goods, including whiskey, and introducing new ones. These measures will take effect in April.
And an angry Trump quickly responded, writing:
“The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky."
"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. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S."
You can see his post below.
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
What Trump fails to grasp is that the concept of "American champagne" is legally impossible considering the strict regulations under which champagne is produced.
For centuries, the Champagne region has set the global standard for sparkling wine. Its chalky soil ensures natural drainage and imparts a crisp, mineral character. The region’s cool climate—at the northernmost edge of French wine country—preserves acidity, giving Champagnes their signature freshness.
Champagne is crafted using the méthode champenoise, a labor-intensive process in which secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, producing the wine’s fine bubbles and complex flavors. While winemakers worldwide use this method, Champagne’s strict production rules—limiting grape varieties, requiring minimum aging periods, and enforcing rigorous quality standards—have solidified its reputation as the pinnacle of sparkling wine.
Champagne production is equally time-consuming—French regulations mandate at least 15 months of cellar aging for the wine to earn the Champagne label, while vintage bottles require a minimum of three years.
Trump was swiftly mocked.
The U.S. still intends to roll out another round of so-called reciprocal tariffs in April, which is expected to impact European countries as well.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Thursday on Bloomberg Television that Trump was “totally annoyed” by the EU’s actions, prompting the latest threat.
Although Americans support higher tariffs on China, they oppose applying them to longtime allies. A March Economist/YouGov survey found that only 32% supported tariffs on Canada, 33% on the European Union, and 38% on Mexico. Even a more specific tariff on steel and aluminum received just 35% approval.
Opposition was particularly strong among young adults, Hispanics, and low-income voters, who rejected these tariffs by margins greater than the national average.
@WhiteHouse/X