State Department says Trump is ‘spot on’ with France protests after Macron decries ‘stupid’ comments
The US State Department backed Donald Trump’s comments about France, calling his views “spot on” after President Emmanuel Macron criticised foreign leaders’ remarks about protests in the country. Trump had claimed migrants had taken over France and called for its borders to be closed, while Macron said such claims were false and that foreign information manipulation had fuelled misleading accounts.
The protests followed a weekend of anti-government demonstrations that escalated into rioting and looting. French officials said more than 3,000 shops were looted and about 2,500 people were taken into police custody; further protests were expected in Paris, where businesses began boarding up windows and major museums planned to close. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the US opposed policies encouraging mass migration and advised Americans travelling abroad to register with its STEP programme.
In short
- The State Department called Trump’s comments on France “spot on”.
- Macron rejected claims that France was overwhelmed by migrants.
- French officials reported more than 3,000 shops looted and 2,500 people detained.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Trump’s comments could argue that the scale of looting and unrest shows France is facing serious strains, and that leaders should be candid about whether migration policy and border controls are contributing to them. They may see the State Department’s backing as a defence of national sovereignty and of the right to criticise policies they believe have failed.
The case against
Critics could argue that the reported unrest does not substantiate Trump’s claim that migrants have taken over France, and that linking migration to the violence risks misleading the public and stoking hostility. They may also see foreign officials’ commentary as an intrusion into France’s domestic debate, particularly when Macron says it amplifies false accounts.