Donald Trump Calls for Release of Marine Le Pen Following Legal Conviction
The former U.S. president expresses support for the French politician amid her recent legal challenges.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right Rassemblement National (RN), following her recent legal conviction.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described Le Pen as a hardworking politician who has faced numerous challenges throughout her career.
He referred to her conviction for misuse of public funds, which could hinder her ability to participate in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for spring 2027, as a 'minor accusation.' Trump criticized the legal actions against her, suggesting they were part of a broader 'witch hunt' by European leftists aimed at silencing free speech.
Le Pen was sentenced on Monday in Paris to four years in prison, two of which were suspended subject to electronic monitoring, and a fine of 100,000 euros.
Additionally, she faces a five-year period of ineligibility that was put into immediate effect.
These charges relate to the misuse of funds allocated for assistants in the European Parliament.
Trump's comments regarding Le Pen's situation reflect a growing trend of support for far-right figures in Europe among certain American conservatives.
His vice president, JD Vance, also issued remarks supporting Le Pen, stating that her popularity in some polls indicates she is being unfairly targeted by legal actions.
Vance asserted that the case against Le Pen is not representative of democracy, suggesting that the efforts to disqualify her from the electoral process are politically motivated.
The legal challenges she faces may have implications for the far-right landscape in France and could affect the dynamics leading up to the next presidential election under President Emmanuel Macron's administration.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described Le Pen as a hardworking politician who has faced numerous challenges throughout her career.
He referred to her conviction for misuse of public funds, which could hinder her ability to participate in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for spring 2027, as a 'minor accusation.' Trump criticized the legal actions against her, suggesting they were part of a broader 'witch hunt' by European leftists aimed at silencing free speech.
Le Pen was sentenced on Monday in Paris to four years in prison, two of which were suspended subject to electronic monitoring, and a fine of 100,000 euros.
Additionally, she faces a five-year period of ineligibility that was put into immediate effect.
These charges relate to the misuse of funds allocated for assistants in the European Parliament.
Trump's comments regarding Le Pen's situation reflect a growing trend of support for far-right figures in Europe among certain American conservatives.
His vice president, JD Vance, also issued remarks supporting Le Pen, stating that her popularity in some polls indicates she is being unfairly targeted by legal actions.
Vance asserted that the case against Le Pen is not representative of democracy, suggesting that the efforts to disqualify her from the electoral process are politically motivated.
The legal challenges she faces may have implications for the far-right landscape in France and could affect the dynamics leading up to the next presidential election under President Emmanuel Macron's administration.
