Trump Blames Immigration for France Riots, Urges Border Crackdown

U.S. President Donald Trump on October 18 claimed that France's anti-government protests, which escalated into arson and looting, were caused by immigration policies and urged strict border control. He made the remarks ahead of the midterm elections. Trump posted on social media that "France is burning" and that immigrants with hatred from a different world had torn apart a once-great nation, calling for border closures before it was too late. He offered no specific evidence for his claim. Trump has long used Islamophobia politically, having previously linked French protests to Muslim immigration and alleged Islamic efforts to take over France, despite lacking proof. His immigration stance retains 43% support among his base.