US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have pointed to immigration as the root cause of the violent unrest that swept France over the weekend, urging Paris to tighten its borders as the French government grapples with the fallout from a national mobilization against the high cost of living.
In a message posted Sunday on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that “France is burning,” attributing the chaos to “immigration of people from a totally different world, people who have hate in their hearts,” which he said had “broken this once-great country.” He added: “Close your borders and take back control, before it is too late!”
The US president had already weighed in on October 6, inserting himself into a French high-school protest movement by claiming that “Islam” and “out-of-control mass immigration” were behind it.
Vance Points to ‘Failed Assimilation’
Vance, seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender, had weighed in as early as Saturday, blaming immigration for the violence and accusing the Democratic opposition of wanting the same “future” for the United States.
“Western progressives imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion. They neglected the fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility. They were told it would end this way and they did not listen,” he wrote on X.
“I pray that France, a beautiful country with a wonderful people, puts an end to this madness before more monuments burn,” the Republican added, commenting on a video showing the town hall of Limoges on fire.
Vance, who represents the most nationalist and identitarian wing of the Republican Party, linked the unrest to the midterm elections set for November 3, which currently look unfavorable for the GOP. “I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future Democratic lawmakers want for our country,” he commented.
Criticism of European Immigration Policy
The 42-year-old conservative frequently criticizes European immigration policies, which he considers lax. He lectured Europeans on the subject during a speech in Munich in February 2025 that is remembered for its virulence.
The US interventions came after a day of violence, vandalism and looting that marred Saturday’s national mobilization against the high cost of living, leaving the French government under mounting pressure. President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to deliver a solemn address on Sunday at 8 p.m. following the urban violence.
International media did not mince words after the unrest, with coverage describing the situation as “anarchy” in France.
