U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement of European nationalist parties has revealed a divide among major far-right groups in Europe. Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party welcomes Trump’s support, seeing it as a means to gain legitimacy and overcome political isolation. Meanwhile, France’s National Rally is cautious, considering American backing a potential risk.
The AfD views Trump’s approval as validation of their efforts against what they describe as Europe’s “civilizational erasure.” AfD MEP Petr Bystron expressed that the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy aligns with their priorities of sovereignty and remigration. The party plans to strengthen ties with Trump supporters in Washington this week, seeking political legitimacy and support against perceived persecution at home.
Conversely, France’s National Rally distances itself from Trump due to his unpopularity among French voters. Party President Jordan Bardella agrees with some of Trump’s policies but rejects external influence on French politics. Thierry Mariani, a board member, criticizes Trump’s approach as colonial and economically disadvantageous.
The AfD hopes that Trump’s backing will make it more acceptable to German voters and harder for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives to avoid coalition talks. Markus Frohnmaier, an AfD parliamentary leader, will attend a New York Young Republican Club gala this week.
In contrast, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally aims to appeal to mainstream voters ahead of the 2027 presidential election by distancing itself from Trump and the AfD. A poll showed that even National Rally supporters view Trump negatively. Political scientist Jean-Yves Camus notes that Le Pen has little interest in aligning with Trumpism due to ideological differences and concerns about being perceived as influenced by foreign powers.
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