By Micah Jonah
January 22, 2026
France has dismissed as “fake news” a claim by US President, Donald Trump that he pressured President Emmanuel Macron into raising domestic drug prices through tariff threats.
The French presidency said medicine prices in France are regulated by the national social security system and are not set by the President, adding that prices have remained stable.
“It is being claimed that President Emmanuel Macron increased the price of medicines. He does not set their prices. They are regulated by the social security system and have, in fact, remained stable,” the French presidency wrote on social media, using the phrase “fake news” in response to Trump’s remarks.
Trump had earlier told an audience at the World Economic Forum in Davos that he threatened France with tariffs, unless Macron agreed to raise drug prices, claiming Macron quickly complied. He said he warned of a 25 percent tariff on all French exports to the United States and a 100 percent tariff on wine and champagne if changes were not made.
The disagreement is the latest in a growing series of public disputes between the two leaders, amid rising tensions over US policy toward Greenland and potential trade measures against European countries.
Macron has taken a tougher stance than many European leaders in responding to US pressure, urging Europe to resist what he described as bullying tactics and to prepare strong trade countermeasures if necessary.
The French government has recently intensified efforts to challenge what it considers misinformation, using official communication channels to respond directly to controversial statements from foreign leaders.
The exchange highlights growing strains in transatlantic relations as trade threats and geopolitical disputes continue to dominate diplomatic engagements between long-standing allies.
