Trump Defends Marine Le Pen After EU Funds Conviction, Slams French Court Ruling

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced support for French far-right leader Marine Le Pen following her recent conviction by a Paris court for embezzling European Union funds. The court ruling, which also targeted 24 others from Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party, imposed a five-year ban on her from running for office—effectively sidelining her from France’s 2027 presidential election unless she wins an appeal.

In a Truth Social post, Trump described the charges as a “Witch Hunt,” claiming the conviction was politically motivated. “She suffered losses but kept going, and now, just before a Big Victory, they get her on a minor charge… Sounds like a ‘bookkeeping’ error to me,” he wrote. Trump also compared Le Pen’s situation to his own legal battles, including his conviction in a hush money case, which he insists was politically driven.

Le Pen, 56, had been a top contender in early polls for the 2027 race. Her supporters and RN members argue the court's decision undermines French democracy. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou stood by the judiciary, saying he “unconditionally supported” its independence.

The trial judge is reportedly under police protection after receiving death threats, according to Reuters.

Trump’s backing of Le Pen underscores similarities long drawn between the two leaders, especially on anti-immigration policies and rhetoric targeting minorities. Rights advocates have previously linked their populist messaging and nationalist platforms.

While federal charges against Trump were dropped after his 2024 reelection, he maintains that all cases against him were politically driven. “It is all so bad for France,” he said in his post, criticizing the French legal system.

The ruling marks a major setback for Le Pen, casting uncertainty over the future of France’s far-right movement.