President Trump says Le Pen's conviction in France is a 'very big deal'

On Monday, a French court banned Ms Le Pen from running in the 2027 election after she was convicted of embezzlement.

Ms. Le Pen. Photo: X/CilComLFC

“It’s a very big deal,” Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday evening when asked about the conviction.

Human rights advocates have for years pointed out similarities between Ms Le Pen and Mr Trump in their anti-immigration views and controversial statements towards minorities.

The court ruling is a blow to Ms Le Pen, 56. She is the leader of the National Rally (RN) party and one of the most prominent figures on the European far right, and is the leading candidate in the 2027 French presidential election according to polls.

“I know about it, and a lot of people think she won’t be convicted,” Trump said.

"But she was banned from running for five years, and she was the front-runner. It sounds a lot like what happened in America," Mr. Trump said, referring to the legal cases he faced before returning to power.

Trump was previously indicted on charges of covering up hush money payments to a porn star, trying to overturn the 2020 election and withholding classified documents after leaving office. The federal charges were dropped after he won the 2024 election.

On Monday, France's Supreme Court Council issued a statement expressing concern about the "violent backlash" following Ms Le Pen's conviction, particularly criticism from her allies and other far-right leaders in Europe.

Ms Le Pen is banned from holding public office for the next five years, a decision that cannot be overturned even if she appeals. However, she will remain a member of parliament until the end of her current term.

Cao Phong (according to Reuters, France24)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-trump-noi-rang-viec-ket-an-ba-le-pen-o-phap-la-mot-van-de-rat-lon-post340959.html