Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party in France, does not need to be elected President to exert influence over foreign affairs. Party members, with the exception of Jordan Bardella, are prohibited from commenting on the American presidential election. This is to avoid potentially revealing their preference for Donald Trump, whose political model is seen as incompatible with the party’s efforts to become more mainstream. The party’s reluctance to openly support Trump marks a shift from their previous years of vocal support for the billionaire.
In the past, National Rally representatives had openly praised Trump’s presidency, seeing it as a successful example of national pride and a model to emulate. However, discussions about Trump’s political tactics and the effects on American society grew more complex over time, leading to a shift in the party’s public support. Le Pen’s attempts to meet with Trump in 2017 were unsuccessful, but she continued to express admiration for his policies and decisions. In 2018, the party welcomed Steve Bannon, a former advisor to Trump, to their congress, indicating their strong support for Trump’s leadership style on various issues like the economy, geopolitics, and immigration.
Le Pen’s positive assessment of Trump’s presidency aligned with her hope to replicate a similar model in France. Despite Trump’s controversial behavior towards the 2020 election results, the party’s enthusiasm remained intact. However, the party’s leadership has now restricted members from openly supporting Trump to avoid potential backlash and maintain a more moderate image. This strategic shift reflects the party’s efforts to distance themselves from Trump’s more extreme policies and actions while still acknowledging his influence on global politics.
The National Rally’s cautious approach towards openly supporting Trump contrasts with their previous unwavering support for his presidency. This change signifies a recognition of the complexities and controversies surrounding Trump’s leadership style and policies. Moving forward, the party aims to balance their admiration for Trump’s achievements with a more nuanced and measured approach to expressing their political preferences in order to appeal to a wider audience. As the party navigates these challenges, their stance on foreign affairs, especially concerning the United States, will continue to shape their political identity and public image.
