Raphaël Glucksmann criticizes Trump and warns of Le Pen victory

French presidential candidate Raphaël Glucksmann has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports, stating the move benefits the Kremlin at the expense of Europe. Speaking at the POLITICO Competitiveness Summit in Paris, Glucksmann characterized the U.S. leadership as being either ‘a useful idiot’ or an ‘agent of the destruction of European strength and freedom.’

Glucksmann also warned that the election of far-right rival Marine Le Pen in 2027 would constitute a victory for Vladimir Putin and lead to the ‘defeat of the European continent.’ While Le Pen has condemned the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, some members of her National Rally party oppose financial aid to Kyiv. Le Pen has previously noted that while France could provide military training, budgetary constraints limit further financial support. Current polling indicates Le Pen holds a double-digit lead heading into next year’s presidential election.