The American president cast the French politician’s conviction as an example of far-right persecution, ignoring ample evidence against her.

Far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen has been banned from running for political office for five years after being found guilty of embezzling European Union funds, in a politically explosive ruling that has shattered her hopes of winning France’s 2027 presidential election.

Analysts say the judgment barring Marine Le Pen from running for public office plunges France into more political uncertainty.