Trump says 'France is burning', blames immigration for protest unrest

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that "France is burning," blaming immigration for unrest during protests in France and urging the country to tighten its migration rules. He posted on Truth Social as France assessed damage from Saturday's protests, which left a historic town hall torched and led to 1,800 arrests.

What did Trump say about France?

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the immigration of people "from an entirely different world" had shattered what he called a once great country. He accused them of having hatred in their hearts and told France to close its borders and take control before it is too late.

"France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country," Trump wrote. "Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!"

What is the situation in France after the protests?

France was reeling on Sunday from widespread damage during the previous day's protests. The unrest left a historic town hall torched and led to 1,800 arrests.

The violence has piled pressure on President Emmanuel Macron six months before elections to replace him.

What did JD Vance say about France?

Trump's post follows similar comments made by Vice President JD Vance on Saturday. "Western liberals imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion," Vance wrote on X. "They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility. They were told it would lead to this and they didn't listen."

"I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn," he added.

Vance, who has an Indian wife and is seen as a potential presidential candidate in the 2028 election, also drew a connection to the November 3 midterm races for congressional seats. Republicans are not expected to perform well in those races.