Trump Blames Immigration For Violent Protests In France
7 hours ago
President Donald Trump is blaming immigration for the violent unrest sweeping across France, saying he previously warned French President Emmanuel Macron that failing to tighten border security would lead to serious problems.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, Trump argued that immigration policies, rather than concerns over education and the economy, were responsible for the demonstrations.
"What's happening in France has to do with immigration, not schools, not anything. It's immigration," Trump said.
The president claimed he warned Macron during his first term to close France's borders, telling the French leader that allowing large numbers of migrants into the country would create problems.
Trump also urged European leaders to strengthen border security, warning that continued unrest could threaten stability across the continent.
The demonstrations began in September as students protested deteriorating school conditions, teacher shortages and inadequate education funding.
Since then, the movement has expanded to include broader public frustration over the rising cost of living, higher fuel prices and declining public services.
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France over the weekend, with some protests escalating into violent clashes with police, looting and property destruction.
French authorities reported thousands of arrests following Saturday's unrest, which included attacks on businesses and public buildings. A historic town hall in Limoges was among the structures heavily damaged.
Macron condemned the violence in a televised address Sunday while acknowledging that peaceful demonstrators had legitimate concerns about living standards and public services.
French officials have blamed much of the violence on radical-left groups and individuals accused of exploiting the demonstrations to commit crimes.
Trump, however, has continued to point to immigration as the underlying cause of the unrest, using the situation to reinforce his administration's emphasis on border enforcement.
His claims contrast with the stated demands of the protesters, which have largely focused on education, economic conditions and government spending.
The unrest has placed additional pressure on Macron's government as French authorities work to restore order and address the grievances fueling the nationwide demonstrations.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, Trump argued that immigration policies, rather than concerns over education and the economy, were responsible for the demonstrations.
"What's happening in France has to do with immigration, not schools, not anything. It's immigration," Trump said.
The president claimed he warned Macron during his first term to close France's borders, telling the French leader that allowing large numbers of migrants into the country would create problems.
Trump also urged European leaders to strengthen border security, warning that continued unrest could threaten stability across the continent.
The demonstrations began in September as students protested deteriorating school conditions, teacher shortages and inadequate education funding.
Since then, the movement has expanded to include broader public frustration over the rising cost of living, higher fuel prices and declining public services.
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France over the weekend, with some protests escalating into violent clashes with police, looting and property destruction.
French authorities reported thousands of arrests following Saturday's unrest, which included attacks on businesses and public buildings. A historic town hall in Limoges was among the structures heavily damaged.
Macron condemned the violence in a televised address Sunday while acknowledging that peaceful demonstrators had legitimate concerns about living standards and public services.
French officials have blamed much of the violence on radical-left groups and individuals accused of exploiting the demonstrations to commit crimes.
Trump, however, has continued to point to immigration as the underlying cause of the unrest, using the situation to reinforce his administration's emphasis on border enforcement.
His claims contrast with the stated demands of the protesters, which have largely focused on education, economic conditions and government spending.
The unrest has placed additional pressure on Macron's government as French authorities work to restore order and address the grievances fueling the nationwide demonstrations.
