Washington, United States - March 31, 2025 US reacts to French court's ruling against Le Pen, highlights democratic values SHOTLIST WASHINGTON, US (MARCH 31, 2025) (ANADOLU-ACCESS ALL) 1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) US STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON TAMMY BRUCE SAYING: “Regarding Marine Le Pen, I might disagree with your casting of her as a far-right individual which is meant, I think – I don't know if that's meant to be derogatory. But we are aware of reports regarding her sentencing, and I would refer you in general to the French authorities for further comment on this legal decision. We also will recall, though, the Vice President's February 14th remarks at the Munich Security Conference in defense of free speech as well as opposition to exclusion of people from the political process. We have got to do more as the West than just talk about democratic values. We must live them. Exclusion of people from the political process is particularly concerning, given the aggressive and corrupt lawfare waged against President Trump here in the United States. We support the right of everyone to offer their views in the public square, agree or disagree. And with that, I have nothing else to add.” WASHINGTON, US - MARCH 31: The U.S. State Department responded to the recent conviction of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who was found guilty of misusing European Union funds, stating that French authorities are best positioned to clarify the legal ruling. “But we are aware of reports regarding her sentencing, and I would refer you in general to the French authorities for further comment on this legal decision,” State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at a press conference. Le Pen, who announced her candidacy for France’s 2027 presidential election, was convicted on Monday alongside eight other members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for embezzling public funds. According to French media, they allegedly misused over €3 million. The ruling bars Le Pen, a key political rival to President Emmanuel Macron, from holding public office for five years. When asked about the case, Tammy Bruce acknowledged the reports but deferred further comment to French officials. She also emphasized the importance of free speech and political inclusion, referencing US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference in February. "We have got to do more as the West than just talk about democratic values. We must live them," Bruce said, expressing concern over excluding individuals from the political process. " Exclusion of people from the political process is particularly concerning, given the aggressive and corrupt lawfare waged against President Trump here in the United States." Reporting by Serife Cetin, Can Hasasu Writing by Sibel Uygun