‘Let’s Go To France, Lovely Place’: Trump Mocks Violent Protests, Looting And Fires

Last Updated:October 18, 2026, 10:07 IST

Donald Trump joked that France was an ideal destination for revolutions as protests over the rising cost of living escalated.

US President Donald Trump (Image: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump mocked the violent unrest sweeping France, joking that the country was an ideal destination for revolutions as protests over the rising cost of living escalated into clashes with police, widespread looting and fires.

“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,” Donald Trump said, taking a dig at the situation in the European country.

Donald Trump’s remarks came as France witnessed scenes of destruction following a day of violent demonstrations across the country. The unrest followed weeks of student-led protests over economic pressures and public spending, with the demonstrations escalating into vandalism, arson and clashes with riot police.

The violence comes around six months ahead of elections to replace French President Emmanuel Macron, adding to the political pressure on his government.

JD Vance Blames Immigration Policies

US Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on the unrest, blaming Western liberal policies on immigration and diversity for the violence. In a post on X, JD Vance said Western countries had failed to address questions of assimilation and cultural compatibility while promoting diversity.

“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,” JD Vance wrote.

“They were told it would lead to this and they didn’t listen,” he added, urging France to act before more landmarks were damaged by fires.

“I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” JD Vance said.

He also linked the unrest to American politics, warning that the situation in France represented what he alleged congressional Democrats wanted for the United States.

“And I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country,” he wrote.

Demonstrations over the cost of living, government spending and public services spread across France on Saturday, with clashes between protesters and police, looting and fires reported in several cities. France’s Interior Ministry said around 550,000 people took part in the demonstrations nationwide, while the CGT trade union put the figure at 800,000.

Police deployed tear gas and water cannons as some demonstrators threw projectiles and fireworks. In Paris, masked protesters reportedly set parked cars on fire and ransacked shops. Luxury retail outlets, including Apple, Louis Vuitton and Hermès stores, were targeted by looters in Bordeaux, while vandalism and arson were reported in other cities.

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What did Donald Trump say about the violent protests and looting in France?

Donald Trump mocked the violent unrest in France by joking that the country seemed ideal for revolutions and suggesting they go join it.

How did US Vice President JD Vance react to the unrest in France?

JD Vance blamed Western liberal policies on immigration and diversity for the violence, arguing that governments ignored issues of assimilation and compatibility.

Which luxury retail stores were targeted by looters during the demonstrations in France?

Looters targeted high-end retailers in Bordeaux and other cities, including Apple, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès stores.

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