US President Donald Trump on Monday described the conviction of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and her subsequent prohibition from running in France’s 2027 presidential election as a “very big deal.”
Le Pen, 56, a leading figure in the European far right and a front-runner in the upcoming election, was convicted of embezzlement and banned from public office for five years. Speaking at the White House, Trump remarked, “I know all about it, and a lot of people thought she wasn’t going to be convicted of anything. But she was banned from running for five years, and she’s the leading candidate. That sounds like this country.”
His comments appeared to draw a parallel between Le Pen’s legal troubles and his own legal battles, including his conviction in a hush money case and previous indictments over election interference and classified documents—charges he has consistently dismissed as politically motivated.
Le Pen’s conviction has sparked intense reactions in France and across Europe. France’s High Council of the Judiciary issued a statement condemning threats against magistrates involved in the case, urging respect for judicial independence.
Despite the ruling, Le Pen will retain her parliamentary seat until her term ends. However, she faces a four-year prison sentence—two years suspended, with two years under home detention—and a €100,000 fine, pending appeals.
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