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US President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for the violent unrest in France, urging Paris to close its borders as mass protests descended into clashes, looting and arson.
French President Emmanuel Macron and his US counterpart Donald Trump (IMAGE: AFP/File)
US President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for the violent unrest that erupted across France, calling on the country to close its borders as demonstrations over rising living costs and public services descended into clashes, looting and arson.
France was left dealing with widespread damage on Sunday after Saturday’s protests. Around 1,800 people were arrested, while hundreds of police officers and emergency workers were injured, according to authorities. In Limoges, a historic city hall that is 143 years old was partially destroyed in a fire.
Trump reacted to the unrest in a post on Truth Social, where he directly linked the violence to immigration.
“France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country. Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The protests on October 17 drew around 550,000 people, according to France’s Interior Ministry, while organisers, including the CGT labour union, put the figure at about 800,000. The demonstrations brought together students, trade unions and other groups protesting high living costs, concerns over education and deteriorating public services.
What began largely as protests over social and economic concerns later saw violent groups clash with police, loot shops and set buildings on fire in several cities. Le Monde.fr
Trump Earlier Mocked France Protests
Trump had already commented on the unrest earlier, making light of France’s history of revolutions.
“Let’s go to France? It’s a lovely place. No riots, no revolutions. You know, France seems to be so damn good for revolutions. It’s unbelievable. Let’s go to France and join the revolution,” he said.
US Vice President JD Vance also blamed immigration and multiculturalism for the violence. In a post on X, he accused Western liberal governments of failing to address questions around assimilation.
“Western liberals imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion. They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility,” Vance wrote.
He added that governments had been warned about the consequences but had failed to act.
Vance also reacted to the fire at the Limoges city hall, saying he hoped France would bring the unrest under control before more landmarks were damaged.
“I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” he said.
The US vice president then drew a comparison with American politics, telling Americans to pay attention to the events in France.
“And I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country.”
The comments from Trump and Vance have added an international political dimension to the unrest, which was initially driven by domestic concerns over living costs, public services and education.
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Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More
October 18, 2026, 8:19 PM IST
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