Trump leaks private text from Macron as Greenland-Tariff row escalates

Diplomatic tensions between Washington and Paris reached a new low on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump shared a private text message from French President Emmanuel Macron on Truth Social.

The leak comes as Trump pressures European allies to support his bid to acquire Greenland. In the shared message, Macron reportedly expressed confusion over the US pursuit of the Arctic territory, writing: "My friend... I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland."

Sources close to President Macron confirmed the text's authenticity to AFP, noting that while the French leader seeks dialogue, he remains firm on European sovereignty.

The "Board of Peace" and Tariff Threats The friction intensified after Macron declined Trump’s invitation to join the "Board of Peace"—an international body established by the US to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza. France reportedly raised concerns that the Board’s charter bypasses United Nations protocols.

In a swift response, President Trump threatened a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne. This follows his earlier announcement of a 10% tariff on several European nations—including France, Denmark, and the UK—effective February 1, unless a deal for Greenland is reached.

While Macron proposed a G7 meeting in Paris this Thursday to de-escalate the situation, the public leak of private correspondence has cast a shadow over upcoming talks at the World Economic Forum in Davos.