Trump makes promise to Americans as France comes under siege from anarchists
Donald Trump used a rally in Kansas to promise that the United States would not descend into the unrest seen in France, blaming immigration and France’s border policies for the turmoil. His comments matter because they linked the French protests to his domestic political message and criticism of President Emmanuel Macron.
The French demonstrations began a month ago among teachers and students protesting staff shortages, then broadened into a movement against rising prices and drew support from hard-left activists. Weekend looting and clashes led to nearly 2,400 arrests and almost 1,000 police and gendarmes injured, including seven seriously. Trump also joked about withholding a proposed $5,000 “Trump Dividend” from Americans who travelled to join the protests; the payment was conditional on Republicans winning the midterms.
- Trump said he would prevent similar unrest in the US.
- France’s protests grew from workplace and cost-of-living concerns.
- Nearly 2,400 people were arrested and almost 1,000 officers injured.
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France is a republic led by President Emmanuel Macron, whose government has faced protests over public services and the cost of living. Demonstrations that began among teachers and students over staff shortages widened as other groups joined, including activists on the hard left.
Donald Trump, then a prominent US political figure, has often made immigration and border control central to his political message. By comparing unrest in France with the United States, he connected French events to domestic debate about immigration and criticised Macron’s approach.