Overview
- In a widely shared Senate address, Claude Malhuret accused President Trump of escalating strikes in the Iran conflict to divert attention from renewed scrutiny of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
- He mocked the makeup of Trump's team as a "Court of Miracles," naming Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Scott Bessent, Pete Hegseth, Pam Bondi, and Tulsi Gabbard with derisive descriptions.
- Malhuret alleged that since the launch of Trump's "Peace Board," the United States has conducted more strikes than during Joe Biden's entire term and said there is no clear strategy for the war.
- He further claimed Trump and his circle profit from foreign ties, citing gifts and Gulf investments, and he faulted Congress for not pursuing impeachment over conflicts of interest.
- France's armed forces minister Catherine Vautrin said France limits its role to defense and pursues diplomacy, and there has been no sign the speech triggered any policy change.