US President Donald Trump has come to the defense of Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, after she was convicted of embezzling European Union funds. Trump labeled the case a "witch hunt," a term he has often used to describe legal challenges against him.
Le Pen was given a five-year ban on holding public office due to her conviction, which also includes a four-year prison sentence, two years of which are suspended, and two years under electronic monitoring. This ruling prevents her from running in the 2027 presidential election, a race she was eager to enter to challenge President Emmanuel Macron.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Le Pen for her resilience, suggesting that the charges against her were minor and possibly a misunderstanding. He compared her situation to his own legal troubles, highlighting his conviction in a New York court related to hush money payments.
Le Pen’s conviction has sparked outrage among her supporters. She is calling for a peaceful protest in Paris this weekend to rally support against what she describes as judicial tyranny. Despite her claims, recent polls indicate that many French citizens support the court’s decision.
Following the trial, the lead judge has received police protection due to threats, which President Macron condemned as unacceptable. Le Pen’s lawyer has announced plans to appeal the conviction, insisting that the case is an attack on democracy.
As the political landscape in France heats up, Le Pen’s supporters are eager to gauge public sentiment during the planned protests. However, analysts suggest that attacking the judiciary could alienate some voters who are not anti-establishment.