US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the French authorities in response to a court ruling that disqualified Marine Le Pen, the leader of the French opposition party National Rally, from running in the 2027 presidential election. The American leader's statement was made on March 31, 2025, during a signing ceremony at the White House.

"This is a really serious event. I am aware of all the details and many were sure that she would not be found guilty," — Trump emphasized, addressing journalists.

He called Le Pen's conviction "a very important matter," noting that her five-year ban on running effectively eliminates one of the leading contenders for the French presidency.

"She was banned from running, and she was the frontrunner among the candidates. This is very similar to what is happening in our country," — Trump added, drawing parallels with political processes in the United States.

His words sounded like a reference to his own legal troubles and accusations of trying to challenge the 2020 election results, which his supporters say is also an example of political persecution.

Le Pen's situation has become a subject of heated debate not only in France but also abroad. On 31 March 2025, a French court found Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzling funds from the European Parliament, sentencing her to four years in prison, two of which are suspended, and imposing a five-year ban on holding public office. This decision effectively puts an end to her plans to participate in the 2027 presidential race, where she was considered one of the favorites.