In Vichy, France, at a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, Senator Claude Malhuret made headlines as he placed a wreath at a monument commemorating the fallen. Known for his keen criticism of U.S. President Trump, Malhuret’s speeches have reached millions, branding Trump as an “incendiary emperor” and likening his actions to historical tyrants such as Nero and Caligula.
The 75-year-old senator and former mayor of Vichy, a town with a profound connection to World War II history, has passionately voiced concern over what he perceives to be an erosion of democratic checks and balances in the United States. He insists, “never before has anyone so trampled on the Constitution.”
At the ceremony, he listened intently as students spoke about the fragility of peace and democratic values, inspired by the lessons of history about fascism and totalitarianism. Reflecting on Vichy's past as a center of collaboration with Nazi Germany, Malhuret emphasized his strong anti-totalitarian stance, stating, “I was already a visceral antitotalitarian, whether of the right or left.”
Despite his vocal critiques, the White House has not responded to his accusations. As Malhuret continues to take the stage as Trump’s adversary on the European stage, his remarks resonate as a reminder of the vigilance required in safeguarding democratic norms, as he warns against the perils of political aggression and populism in contemporary governance.
The 75-year-old senator and former mayor of Vichy, a town with a profound connection to World War II history, has passionately voiced concern over what he perceives to be an erosion of democratic checks and balances in the United States. He insists, “never before has anyone so trampled on the Constitution.”
At the ceremony, he listened intently as students spoke about the fragility of peace and democratic values, inspired by the lessons of history about fascism and totalitarianism. Reflecting on Vichy's past as a center of collaboration with Nazi Germany, Malhuret emphasized his strong anti-totalitarian stance, stating, “I was already a visceral antitotalitarian, whether of the right or left.”
Despite his vocal critiques, the White House has not responded to his accusations. As Malhuret continues to take the stage as Trump’s adversary on the European stage, his remarks resonate as a reminder of the vigilance required in safeguarding democratic norms, as he warns against the perils of political aggression and populism in contemporary governance.
