Department of Research, Studies and International News 04-04-2025

As financial markets reeled from tariff-related turmoil and headlines buzzed about a $5 million “golden card” for wealthy immigrants seeking entry into the U.S., former President Donald Trump took to social media to throw his support behind French far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump denounced what he called a politically motivated legal attack against Le Pen. He wrote:

“The Witch Hunt against Marine Le Pen is another example of European Leftists using Lawfare to silence Free Speech and censor their Political Opponent, this time going so far as to put that Opponent in prison.

I don’t know Marine Le Pen, but do appreciate how hard she worked for so many years. 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 – Sounds like a ‘bookkeeping’ error to me. It is all so bad for France, and the Great French People, no matter what side they are on. FREE MARINE LE PEN!”

Despite Trump’s claims, the reality of Le Pen’s legal troubles paints a different picture. She was recently convicted of embezzling European parliamentary funds in a long-running fake jobs scandal, one of the largest cases of its kind in French political history. While she is not serving a prison sentence, she faces significant legal consequences, and the court made it clear that this was not a simple clerical mistake.

Trump’s Comments Stir Diplomatic Strains

Trump’s vocal support for Le Pen comes at a time when U.S.-France relations are already facing difficulties. Even President Emmanuel Macron, once seen as an intermediary between Trump and European leaders, appears increasingly frustrated with the former president’s approach to global economic and defense policies.

Macron, reacting to Trump’s recent tariff policies, suggested that French companies should reconsider their investments in the U.S. until more clarity emerges regarding trade relations. This marks a notable shift in Macron’s stance, reflecting growing unease among European leaders about Trump’s economic strategies.

Trump’s endorsement arrives at a crucial moment for Le Pen and her political allies. This weekend, a major rally is set to take place in Paris in support of Le Pen following her conviction. The gathering, described by organizers as “completely peaceful,” will feature speeches from key figures in France’s far-right movement.

Among those expected to address the crowd are Jordan Bardella, Le Pen’s protégé and a potential presidential candidate for 2027, as well as Louis Aliot, the mayor of Perpignan, a city often regarded as a stronghold for France’s nationalist right. Éric Ciotti, another prominent right-wing figure, will also be present.

However, opposition groups are planning counter-protests, ensuring that tensions will be high in the French capital over the weekend. The political divide surrounding Le Pen’s case has deepened, with both sides preparing to make their voices heard.

As the controversy unfolds, security concerns have intensified. Bénédicte de Perthuis, the judge who presided over Le Pen’s case and is an expert in financial crime, has reportedly been receiving threats. French authorities have responded by increasing patrols around her home and heightening security measures.

The legal battle is far from over. Le Pen’s appeal is being expedited, with a final verdict expected by mid-2026. If she succeeds, she could still be eligible to run in the 2027 presidential election. Given her continued influence in French politics and the strong support she enjoys from the far-right, this case is likely to remain a central issue in the country’s political landscape for years to come.

The Bigger Picture

Trump’s backing of Le Pen is not just a show of solidarity but a reflection of a broader trend in right-wing politics, where legal battles are increasingly framed as political persecution. His intervention, though largely symbolic, will likely embolden Le Pen’s supporters and reinforce narratives of victimhood among far-right circles in both France and the U.S.

As France navigates its legal and political challenges, the intersection of domestic politics and international rhetoric—especially from figures like Trump—will continue to shape the debate. With the next presidential election on the horizon, Le Pen’s legal troubles may prove to be either a major hurdle or a rallying point for her movement.