Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (October 18, 2026) blamed immigration for the unrest during protests in France and urged the country to tighten its migration rules, as Paris reeled from widespread damage that left a historic town hall torched and 1,800 people arrested.
“France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country,” Mr. Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!”
Pressure on Macron
The unrest has piled pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron six months before elections to replace him. The protests the day before had caused extensive damage across the country, including the torching of a historic town hall, and led to 1,800 arrests.
Vance Echoes Trump
Mr. Trump’s post came after similar comments by Vice President JD Vance on Saturday (October 17). “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. They were told it would lead to this and they didn’t listen,” Mr. Vance wrote on X.
“I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” he added.
Mr. Vance, seen as a potential presidential candidate in the 2028 election, also drew a connection to the upcoming midterm races for congressional seats on November 3, where Republicans are not expected to perform well.
