U.S. President Donald Trump links France unrest to immigration, urges country to close its borders and “take control”

U.S. President Donald Trump linked the unrest in France to immigration on Sunday, October 18, and urged the French government to close the country’s borders.

“France is burning!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He said immigration by people “from an entirely different world” had “shattered that once great country,” adding: “Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!”

Trump’s comments followed nationwide protests in France on Saturday over living costs, school conditions and public services. Hundreds of thousands of people joined demonstrations across the country, most of them peacefully, while fires, looting and clashes with police were reported in several cities.

French authorities had reported at least 1,800 arrests by Sunday. More than 500 police officers, gendarmes, firefighters and other emergency personnel were injured, according to updated official figures.

The unrest included the burning of Limoges city hall and extensive damage in parts of Paris, Marseille and other cities. French officials have attributed much of the violence to far-left groups and looters rather than immigration.

President Emmanuel Macron has said those responsible for attacks on public buildings and businesses will be prosecuted and punished.