RismadarVoice Reporters
October 18, 2026
United States President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for the violent unrest in France, urging the French government to close its borders and tighten migration controls.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump claimed that immigration had contributed to the country’s instability.
“France is burning!” Trump declared, adding: “Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!”
His comments followed nationwide protests on Saturday over rising living costs, deteriorating public services and education concerns.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that about 1,800 people had been arrested following widespread clashes, looting and destruction of property.
Authorities reported 855 arrests in Paris, while a historic town hall in Limoges was set ablaze. Businesses were also damaged in Marseille, Bordeaux and other cities.
US Vice President JD Vance similarly criticised Western immigration policies, linking the violence to what he described as failures in migrant integration.
However, French authorities attributed much of the violence to extremist groups and opportunistic looters, rather than immigration.
The unrest has intensified political pressure on President Emmanuel Macron ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election.
