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

US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind another embattled far-right European leader, backing Marine Le Pen after French presidential hopeful was convicted of embezzlement and barred from political office.

President Donald Trump on Thursday defended embattled French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, arguing the “witch hunt” against her is yet another instance of critics in Europe using “lawfare” to quash free speech and censor political opposition.