In a renewed display of rhetorical provocation, former U.S. President Donald Trump mocked French President Emmanuel Macron over pharmaceutical pricing during a reported phone conversation on March 9, 2026. Speaking publicly about the exchange, Trump claimed he urged Macron to strike a ‘reasonable deal’ with American pharmaceutical companies, arguing that France pays only a ‘tiny fraction’ for drugs compared to the United States.
Price Disparities and Pressure Tactics
According to Trump’s account, he told Macron that while a particular drug costs $10 in France, it sells for $130 in the U.S.—and that lowering the American price to $20 would require France to raise its own price to $20 or even $30. When Macron reportedly objected—saying, ‘No, no, Donald, I can’t do that’—Trump insisted: ‘Yes, you can. You can.’
Tariff Threats Over Champagne and Wine
Trump said he escalated the pressure by threatening to impose a 100% tariff on all French wine and champagne entering the United States unless Macron agreed. ‘No, no, Donald! You can’t do that!’ Macron allegedly responded. Trump retorted that the bill was already on his desk and ready for signature. The anecdote concludes with Trump claiming Macron relented: ‘Emmanuel said, “Donald, I’ll agree to this.” So he agreed. Everyone agreed.’
The remarks, shared via social media and echoed in media reports, underscore ongoing tensions between U.S. trade policy and European pharmaceutical pricing frameworks—and highlight Trump’s signature blend of negotiation-by-theater and economic brinkmanship.