At a recent ceremony in Vichy, France, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, Senator Claude Malhuret, a former mayor of the town and a right-leaning centrist, made headlines with his outspoken criticism of President Trump. This small but charismatic figure, watched by millions around the globe, placed a wreath at a war monument while delivering cutting remarks that painted Trump as an “incendiary emperor.”
Malhuret's speeches have gained significant traction, attracting tens of millions of views as he casts Trump’s actions as an assault on the Constitution, stating, “never before has anyone so trampled on the Constitution.” He has boldly compared Trump to infamous Roman rulers Nero and Caligula, remarking, “At least Caligula’s horse did no harm to anyone.”
The White House has yet to respond to Malhuret's biting critiques, which reflect his deep concerns over the erosion of democratic principles in America. Having served as Vichy's mayor until 2017 and as a retired physician, Malhuret’s stance is particularly poignant given the historical weight of the town — once the capital of France under the Nazi-aligned Vichy regime during WWII, responsible for the deportation of 76,000 Jews.
Reflecting on his motivations for opposing Trump, Malhuret stated, “I was already a visceral antitotalitarian,” emphasizing the need to confront any form of tyranny, regardless of its political leaning. Vichy's history looms large as he cautions against the complacency that can lead societies down the path of authoritarianism.
