U.S. Vice President JD Vance blames immigration and failed assimilation for violence in France, warns Americans ahead of midterms

U.S. Vice President JD Vance blamed immigration and what he described as failures of assimilation and cultural compatibility for violence during nationwide protests in France, writing on X on Saturday night as he shared footage of Limoges city hall on fire.

“Western liberals imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion,” Vance wrote. “They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility. They were told it would lead to this and they didn’t listen.”

Vance said he hoped France would “stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” and linked the unrest directly to U.S. politics ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

“I hope Americans are paying attention,” he wrote. “This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country.”

The comments came after protests across France on October 17 over rising living costs and deteriorating public services. About 550,000 people demonstrated nationwide according to the Interior Ministry, while organizers put turnout at about 800,000.

Most demonstrations were peaceful, but violence broke out in several cities. More than 1,200 people were arrested and about 150 police officers were injured, while fires, looting and attacks on public buildings were reported, including the burning of Limoges city hall.