Trump revisits 10-year warning to Macron as protests sweep France: ‘You have to get them out’
Donald Trump has again told French President Emmanuel Macron that France risks losing control of its country unless it addresses immigration, which Trump blames for the protests. The remarks came as demonstrations spread across France and other parts of Europe, though Macron has attributed the French unrest to ultra-left groups and rejected foreign leaders’ comments as false and politically motivated.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said nearly 1,000 people were arrested during protests on Saturday, while tens of thousands of police were deployed. Macron said groups seeking to undermine the Republic would be banned and warned that people who loot or damage property would have to pay; Trump said he had raised his concerns with Macron for about a decade.
In short
- Trump links unrest in France to immigration.
- Nearly 1,000 people were arrested during Saturday’s protests.
- Macron blames ultra-left groups and has warned of bans and penalties.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Trump’s argument is that governments have a duty to maintain public order and protect citizens, and that persistent unrest may expose failures to manage immigration and integration. From this perspective, Macron should take public concerns seriously and act firmly against conduct that threatens safety or social cohesion.
The case against
Macron’s position is that attributing the unrest to immigration without evidence risks misdiagnosing its causes and stigmatising communities, while his government identifies ultra-left groups as responsible. He can argue that foreign leaders’ claims are politically motivated, and that France should address unlawful protests through its own institutions while protecting the rights of peaceful demonstrators.