Key facts
- Jordan Bardella, leader of France's far-right National Rally, described Donald Trump's behavior as "erratic" and "extremely unsteady."
- Bardella stated that his party seeks support from French voters, not from external interference or endorsements.
- He suggested Europe must prepare for a future where the U.S. may not guarantee its security.
- Bardella criticized a recent U.S.-EU trade deal as "economic, financial and industrial vassalization."
- Bardella's stance aligns with a historical French tradition of maintaining distance from U.S. foreign policy.
Jordan Bardella, the 30-year-old leader of France's far-right National Rally and the front-runner to become the country's next president, has publicly distanced himself from U.S. President Donald Trump. In an interview with POLITICO, Bardella described Trump's behavior as "erratic" and "extremely unsteady and constantly shifting," indicating a significant departure from his previous admiration for the U.S. president.
Bardella explicitly rejected any potential endorsement from Trump, stating that the National Rally seeks support solely from the French people and voters. He emphasized that the party does not need or want any form of external interference. This stance highlights a growing dilemma for nationalist leaders in Europe who share some of Trump's views on immigration and national identity but are wary of his approach to international alliances, trade, and European security.
The National Rally leader, known for his popularity on platforms like TikTok, has been instrumental in transforming the party into a major political force in France. Polls suggest he could win the presidency in 2027, especially if Marine Le Pen is unable to run due to a potential conviction. Bardella's remarks suggest a strategic shift towards emphasizing French and European autonomy, particularly in security matters, as he warned that the U.S. may no longer be willing to guarantee Europe's defense.
Bardella also criticized a recent U.S.-EU trade deal, labeling it as "economic, financial and industrial vassalization," and stressed the need for France and Europe to defend their own interests, similar to how Trump approaches U.S. interests. He drew a parallel to former French President Charles de Gaulle's decision to withdraw France from NATO's integrated command, suggesting it as a reason for France's continued independence and security.
This distancing from Trump aligns Bardella with other European hard-right leaders like Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Germany's Alice Weidel, who have also navigated complex relationships with the former U.S. president. It contrasts with rivals like Eric Zemmour, who has embraced the MAGA movement.