Trump uses France riots to push border crackdown ahead of midterms

U.S. President Donald Trump is using violent protests in France to push anti-immigration rhetoric ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, claiming migrants have "taken over" the country and demanding border closures. At a Kansas rally on October 19, Trump described France as being "conquered, looted, and burned to the ground by migrants, jihadists, and communists," and wrote on Truth Social that France must "CLOSE THE BORDERS, FAST!" The unrest, sparked by cost-of-living demonstrations, has led to curfews in Paris, with Trump and allies like Vice President J.D. Vance framing the clashes as evidence against immigration. Experts say the strategy aims to mobilize Trump's base but may not sway voters, as polls show the economy (82%) outweighs immigration (59%) as a priority. Trump's approval ratings are at record lows amid inflation and his tariff policies.