President Donald Trump blamed immigration for violent unrest in France and urged the country to close its borders, offering no evidence for a claim that diverged from the education and public-spending grievances behind weeks of demonstrations.
His Sunday remarks followed a weekend of looting, fires and mass arrests as student protesters, unions and Yellow Vest supporters mobilized against deteriorating schools, living costs and government austerity plans. French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently ordered stronger protection for businesses and public buildings.
"France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!"
Vice President JD Vance had also blamed immigration after sharing footage of the burning town hall in Limoges. Neither official presented evidence establishing that immigrants were responsible for driving the protest movement.
The demonstrations began in mid-September at high schools around Paris, where students complained about teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate buildings, Al Jazeera reported. By late September, the education ministry said roughly 400 of the country's 3,700 lycées had been affected.
The movement subsequently converged with public-sector opposition to the proposed 2027 budget, which includes €54 billion in cuts and savings and a freeze on government workers' base pay. Unions said it would mark a fourth consecutive annual freeze.
Authorities estimated that 550,000 people demonstrated Saturday, October 17, while unions and organizers put participation at 800,000, according to Al Jazeera. The Associated Press reported at least 2,400 arrests nationwide over the weekend, including 855 in the Paris region.
Violence extended well beyond the capital. Shops were looted and city hall was breached in Marseille, while fire engulfed Limoges town hall. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said "entire streets have been methodically destroyed."
The damage drew protests from business leaders whose stores were targeted. Thierry Guibert, chief executive of Lacoste owner Maus, said the destruction threatened employees and businesses built over years.
"It is jobs, years of work, know-how, and the commitment of thousands of women and men that are being put at risk," he said.
Macron condemned the violence in a Sunday evening address, blaming radical far-left elements and criminals, according to AP. He directed prefects to coordinate with mayors on protecting property, including prohibiting demonstrations where necessary.
"Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable," Macron said.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon traded accusations over responsibility for the disorder. Lecornu accused far-left groups of organizing violence, while Mélenchon blamed the government's handling of the crisis.
Police conduct has also come under scrutiny. France's police watchdog had opened 36 investigations into alleged police violence since the school protests began, according to figures released October 13.
Students have described frustration at authorities' response to their demands. "To them, we are young enough to be kicked, to be gassed, but we are not old enough to be listened to," high school student Octave Marty told WJLA.
