Trump Urges France to ‘Free’ Marine Le Pen, Extending His Support amid Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his support for Marine Le Pen, a prominent figure in French far-right politics, following her recent conviction for embezzlement of European Union funds. A Paris court sentenced Le Pen and 24 associates from her National Rally party to a five-year ban on holding public office, effectively excluding her from the 2027 presidential election unless overturned on appeal.

The ruling has sparked significant backlash, with Le Pen’s supporters claiming it undermines democracy. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou reaffirmed support for the judiciary amidst these tensions, while the judge involved now requires police protection due to death threats.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the case against Le Pen as a “Witch Hunt,” highlighting parallels to his own legal troubles. He stated, “She suffered losses, but kept on going, and now, just before what would be a Big Victory, they get her on a minor charge that she probably knew nothing about.” This comparison underscores the ongoing dialogue between their anti-immigration stances and controversial rhetoric.

While the conviction serves as a setback for the 56-year-old Le Pen, who was previously a frontrunner in upcoming polls, it adds another layer of complexity to the political climate in both France and the U.S. As the situation unfolds, the implications for future elections and political discourse remain significant.