Macron condemns French protest violence, Trump urges border closures

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned "unrestrained violence" by far-left activists and criminals during nationwide protests over living costs and school conditions, with at least 2,400 arrests made. He vowed that looters would pay for damage and those seeking to bring down the Republic would be held accountable. Macron held an emergency meeting and instructed prefects to protect public buildings and businesses, potentially banning protests when necessary. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez defended the right to protest but condemned deliberate disorder, while hundreds of businesses were looted across the country. The violence sparked political recriminations ahead of next spring's presidential election, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen and far-left contender Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticizing the government. U.S. President Donald Trump posted "France is burning!" and urged border closures, though authorities have not linked immigrants to the rioting.