Trump: Many Believed She Wouldn’t Be Found Guilty

U.S. President Donald Trump believes the verdict against Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s National Rally party parliamentary group, is very similar to the persecution he has faced in the United States. "This is a big deal. This is a very big deal. I am fully aware of this. Many thought she would not be found guilty of anything," Trump stated on Monday while discussing Le Pen's verdict.

"And I don’t know if this is related to the verdict, but she has been banned from participating in elections for five years, and she is the leading candidate," Trump added while responding to reporters' questions at the White House. "This is similar to what happens in our country. It is very similar to our country," the U.S. president emphasized.

On Monday, a Paris court sentenced Le Pen to four years in prison, two of which will be served with an electronic bracelet (the other two years are conditional). According to experts, the verdict deprives her of the opportunity to participate in the upcoming 2027 French presidential elections. As noted by Le Figaro, Le Pen can retain her parliamentary mandate and the position of party group leader. However, she will not be able to participate in potential early elections to the French National Assembly (lower house).