Trump Blames Immigration for Violent Protests in France

US President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for the violent protests spreading across France, even though there is no apparent direct link between the protesters' core demands and the issue of immigration.

On Sunday morning (October 18), signs of the previous night's violence were visible in various French cities—burnt-out barricades, looted shops, and government facilities damaged by fire. In response, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to make sharp remarks about the situation in France.

He wrote, "France is burning! Immigration from a completely different world—people who harbor hatred in their hearts—has destroyed what was once a great nation. Close the borders and take control of the situation before it is too late!"

The unrest in France began with a student movement, as students protested to demand the hiring of more teachers and improvements to the educational environment. They were later joined by members of various labor unions, as well as ordinary citizens concerned about the rising cost of living and the quality of public services.

The nationwide protests were primarily organized to voice opposition to high inflation, the soaring prices of essential goods, and a crisis in public services.

According to the French Ministry of the Interior, approximately 550,000 people participated in the protests, while the labor union CGT claimed the number of participants was closer to 800,000.

Although the marches began peacefully, incidents of arson, looting, and attacks on government buildings occurred in several locations. These acts of violence took place alongside the broader, nationwide demonstrations. Based on information released so far, the protesters' primary demands focused on controlling the prices of goods and ensuring the provision of public services—not on halting immigration.

Following the extensive damage caused by the violence, French authorities remained occupied with managing the situation on Sunday.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated on the social media platform X on Sunday that approximately 1,800 people had been arrested. He added that investigations are underway to identify those involved in these incidents and bring them to justice. The police have reported that the number of arrests in the capital, Paris, has reached a record high, with 855 people taken into custody. Donald Trump has previously made sarcastic remarks regarding the unrest in France; at an earlier campaign rally, he jokingly suggested visiting the country, alluding to its history of revolutions and riots.

Trump remarked, "Let’s go to France! It’s a wonderful place—no riots, no revolutions. And yet, France is such a perfect setting for a revolution. Unbelievable! Come on, let’s go to France and join a revolution."

U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance also commented on the violence in France, attributing it to immigration policies.

Writing on the social media platform X, he stated, "In the name of diversity and empathy, Western liberals have brought people from the Third World into countries like France—all while ignoring fundamental questions regarding integration into society and cultural compatibility."

Vance added, "They were warned that a situation like this could arise, but they didn't listen. France is a beautiful country with extraordinary people. I pray that the nation can put an end to this madness before any more of its historic landmarks are consumed by fire."