French Senator's Viral Speech Criticizes Trump and Musk Leadership in Washington

Claude Malhuret's scathing remarks, likening Washington to Nero's court, resonate internationally and draw attention to U.S. policy shifts on Ukraine.

French Senator Claude Malhuret delivered a sharp critique of Donald Trump and Elon Musk during a Senate debate on Ukraine on March 5, 2025.
Malhuret described Washington as 'Nero's court,' with Trump as an 'incendiary emperor' and Musk as a 'buffoon under ketamine' managing public sector purges.
The speech, translated and widely shared by American outlets like CNN and The Atlantic, has gained significant traction in the U.S. and Europe.
Malhuret's comments highlight concerns over recent U.S. diplomatic reversals on Ukraine and strained relations with allied nations such as Canada and Mexico.
The senator emphasized his freedom to speak out without fear of reprisal, contrasting his position in a democracy with the authoritarian tendencies he criticized.