**Right-Wing French Presidential Hopeful Slams ‘Erratic’ Trump**
Jordan Bardella, the leader of France's National Rally (RN), has publicly distanced himself from seeking an endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump for the upcoming 2027 French presidential election. In a recent interview with Politico, the 30-year-old Euroskeptic and anti-immigration politician described Trump as “unpredictable” and “increasingly hard to read,” characterizing his behavior as “erratic” and “extremely unsteady.”
Bardella's comments come as he is viewed as a leading candidate to succeed Marine Le Pen, the longstanding RN leader who is currently facing legal challenges. Le Pen was convicted last year of misusing EU funds and is awaiting a court ruling on her appeal, which is expected in July. If she is barred from running, Bardella is poised to take the helm of the party in the presidential race.
In the interview, Bardella elaborated on his views of Trump, suggesting that the former president's approach has shifted significantly since his first term. He noted that Trump’s current focus appears to prioritize a vision of the U.S. as an “empire” with a dominant influence over the Western Hemisphere, rather than concentrating on domestic interests. This shift, according to Bardella, makes Trump “more dangerous” and has created uncertainty across Europe, which can no longer rely on the U.S. as it once did.
Bardella emphasized that he and Le Pen are primarily focused on garnering support from the French electorate, stating, “The only support Marine Le Pen and I seek is that of the French people and French voters.” He firmly rejected the notion of seeking outside backing, asserting that he has “no need for foreign interference” in the political process.
This stance marks a notable change in Bardella's previous admiration for Trump, whom he had praised for his political energy and success. The shift reflects a broader concern among European leaders regarding the implications of Trump's foreign policy, particularly since his return to office in 2025. Relations between Washington and its European allies have been strained, with ongoing disputes over trade, defense spending, and digital regulation.
Bardella pointed to Trump's threats of tariffs, including a recent declaration to impose 100% tariffs on French wine unless France rescinds its digital services tax aimed at U.S. tech companies. Such actions have contributed to a growing perception of the U.S. as a less reliable partner for European nations.
The political landscape in Europe is further complicated by Trump's 2026 National Security Strategy, which labeled the European Union as “strategically unreliable,” and his controversial proposal to acquire Greenland from Denmark. Additionally, the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and troop withdrawal plans from Germany have exacerbated tensions, even among traditional allies of Trump within Europe.
As Bardella prepares for the 2027 election, his remarks signal a strategic pivot as he navigates the complexities of European politics and the evolving relationship with the United States under Trump's leadership. The upcoming election will not only test Bardella's political acumen but also reflect the broader sentiments of the French populace regarding foreign influence and national sovereignty.