'France is burning', Trump blames immigration for riots
Protesters clash with French gendarmes, as French high school and university students attend a demonstration, as part of a nationwide day of protests and blockades to demand better school conditions, in Nantes, France, October 8, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS
US President Donald Trump on Sunday blamed immigration for the widespread rioting that erupted in cities across France, stating that France was "burning", further urging authorities to "take control" and close borders.
The protests in France began last month at high schools in Paris' working-class northern suburbs, where anger over teacher shortages and shabby facilities evolved into a broader movement focused on inequality, public spending and living standards.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump wrote that "France is burning!", accusing immigrants of "shattering a once great country".
Read: Trump blames France unrest on 'mass migration', Islam
"The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country."
Trump further urged French authorities to "close your borders and take control, before it is too late!"
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance also blamed immigration for violence during protests in France, while sharing a video showing the city hall in Limoges on fire.
In a post on X, Vance said that “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.”
“I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” he added.
Read More: Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years
Vance, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate in the 2028 election, also drew a connection to upcoming midterm races for congressional seats on November 3, where Republicans are not expected to perform well.
“And I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country,” Vance said.
Vance, 42, represents the most nationalist and identitarian wing of the Republican Party, and often criticises Europe’s immigration policies, which he considers too lax.
Vance went so far as to lecture Europeans on the subject during a February 2025 speech in Munich.
With additional input from Web Desk.