18.10.2026 15:50
After protests in France turned into looting and violence, a harsh statement came from US President Donald Trump. Saying "France is burning," Trump targeted immigration policies and said, "They have torn apart France, once a great country." Addressing the French government, Trump called, "Close your borders and take control before it is too late."
After the mass protests held in France, looting, arson and clashes with security forces occurred in many cities. As the rising tension in the country caused international reactions, US President Donald Trump's statement drew attention.
In the statement attributed to Trump, the following expressions were included: "France is burning. The immigration of people from a completely different world, carrying hatred in their hearts, has torn apart France, once a great country."
"CLOSE YOUR BORDERS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE"
Trump, linking the events in France to immigration policies, directly addressed the French authorities in his statement.
The message attributed to the US President ended with the words, "Close your borders and take control before it is too late."
Trump had previously linked student protests in France to mass immigration and criticized the country's immigration policies. However, he had not presented concrete evidence supporting his assessment that the protests stemmed from immigrants.
US VICE PRESIDENT ALSO TARGETED FRANCE
Trump's statement came to the agenda after US Vice President JD Vance's remarks on the events in France.
Vance criticized European countries' immigration policies by sharing footage of Limoges City Hall burning. Arguing that Western governments had not taken warnings about social cohesion into account, Vance claimed that the events in France could have been foreseen.
MORE THAN 1,800 DETENTIONS IN FRANCE
During demonstrations held across France in reaction to the cost of living and education conditions, some groups looted stores, set vehicles on fire and damaged public buildings.
More than 1,800 people were detained in the incidents in many cities, especially Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux. The historic city hall in Limoges was heavily damaged in the fire.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to address the nation following the developments in the country.