27.03.2026 22:01
During a session in the French Senate on the Middle East crisis, the leader of the Independent Group, Claude Malhuret, targeted U.S. President Donald Trump. Describing the Trump administration as "dangerous and uncontrolled," Malhuret used a Turkish proverb in his speech to convey his message. He stated, "When a clown settles in the palace, he does not become a king; the palace turns into a circus." Malhuret emphasized that Europe needs to adopt a clearer and more strategic position regarding the Middle East.
In a critical session in the French Senate regarding the Middle East crisis, Claude Malhuret, the leader of the Independents Group, made headlines with his harsh statements targeting U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking during the session where the government's decision not to participate in a possible military intervention in Iran was discussed, Malhuret accused the Trump administration of being "dangerous and uncontrolled."
"A DANGEROUS MADMAN TRIGGERS A GLOBAL CRISIS"
In his speech, Malhuret compared the current tensions in the Middle East to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, arguing that both processes were triggered by a "dangerous leader" resulting in global consequences.
The French senator criticized the U.S. administration for incompetence and conflicts of interest, describing Washington's foreign policy as "a process conducted through improvisation and personal calculations."
AN ATTENTION-GRABBING COMPARISON WITH A TURKISH PROVERB
The most striking part of Malhuret's speech was the Turkish proverb he used. The French senator said, "I was mistaken; this is not Nero's palace, but a courtyard of miracles. As a Turkish proverb says: When a clown settles in the palace, it does not become a king; the palace turns into a circus."
These words resonated greatly in the hall.
"AN ELEPHANT IN A CHINA SHOP" COMPARISON
Malhuret, who also criticized the U.S. policy towards Iran, stated that Washington acted with contradictory justifications. Emphasizing the inconsistency between nuclear threats, regime change, and regional alliances, the senator criticized the diplomatic process with the following words:
"There is no strategy in place. Trump is the only elephant in the world wandering around with his china shop."
"THE U.S. IN A DEADLOCK: WITHDRAWAL OR QUAGMIRE"
According to Malhuret, the U.S. faces two options: either to step back or to get stuck in a long-term military quagmire, as seen in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
WARNING TO EUROPE: NICE WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH
Highlighting that the crisis directly affects Europe as well, the French politician criticized the continent's passive stance.
Malhuret stated, "A disaster cannot be stopped with nice words," expressing that Europe needs to take a clearer and more strategic position now.