Trump invokes French unrest in US midterm campaign as Macron rejects migration claims

President Donald Trump used unrest in France to warn US voters against electing Democrats in the approaching midterm elections, arguing that immigration was responsible for the violence and that similar disorder could occur in the United States.

At a campaign rally in Kansas and in remarks at the White House, Trump blamed “migrants, jihadists and communists” and said France’s troubles were not about schools but about people entering the country who “hate the country.” He claimed he had previously urged French President Emmanuel Macron to close France’s borders and predicted that Paris would soon become “a Muslim city.” He offered no demographic evidence for that prediction.

The unrest began with largely peaceful student demonstrations over deteriorating schools, overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages, before broadening to include concerns about living costs and public services. Some protests escalated into riots and extensive looting in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Limoges. More than 2,000 people were taken into police custody, most of them minors, according to Al Jazeera. French authorities have not linked the violence to migration.

Macron accused foreign leaders of spreading misleading narratives for political gain. Asked whether Trump was among those making what he called “unacceptable” and “stupid” comments, Macron replied, “Among others.” He also said fabricated AI images were circulating and rejected claims that France had been overrun by migrants and Islamists.

French authorities imposed temporary curfews in some areas as officials prepared for further demonstrations.