Donald Trump and JD Vance Link French Unrest to Immigration Policies
President Donald Trump and VP JD Vance criticize French immigration policies following widespread protests and arson in France. Get the latest updates here.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a sharp critique of France on Sunday, October 18, 2026, attributing the nation’s recent civil unrest to its immigration policies. He publicly urged the French government to implement stricter border controls to prevent further instability.
In a statement shared on his Truth Social platform, the President claimed that the country has been shattered by the arrival of individuals from different backgrounds who harbor deep-seated hatred. He warned that France is currently burning and advised the nation to secure its borders immediately to regain control.
The remarks follow a wave of violent demonstrations that occurred the previous day, resulting in the destruction of a historic town hall and 1,800 arrests. The situation has intensified political pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron as the country approaches elections to determine his successor in six months.
Vice President JD Vance echoed these sentiments on Saturday, October 17, via a post on X. He argued that Western liberal policies, which prioritized diversity and compassion, failed to address the critical issues of assimilation and compatibility, ultimately leading to the current crisis.
Vance, who is considered a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race, expressed hope that France would halt the ongoing turmoil to protect its landmarks. He also linked the situation to the upcoming U.S. congressional midterm elections scheduled for November 3, where Republicans face challenging prospects.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
