Overview
- Speaking in Washington on January 6, Trump said he threatened a 25% tariff on French goods unless Paris accepted U.S. demands on prescription drug pricing.
- He theatrically imitated Emmanuel Macron and asserted the French leader agreed to sharply increase prescription prices, presenting the anecdote as proof of leverage.
- The Élysée rejected the account, noting the French president does not set retail drug prices and stating that prices in pharmacies have remained broadly stable.
- French officials reported no presidential decision or policy change on medicine prices following Trump's remarks.
- Trump offered a similar tale in December, and coverage places his comments alongside a separate U.S.–EU customs arrangement reported at about 15% on most European exports.