'Darling, let's go to France': Trump takes swipe as protests take over the country

Donald Trump has taken a swipe at France over its history of revolutions, joking that Americans receiving his proposed $5,000 payment could head to the European country to “join the revolution” as protests over the cost of living and public services swept French cities.

According to the transcript of his October 16 rally in Dalton, Georgia, Trump made the remarks while discussing his proposed $5,000 payment to adult Americans, which he said would be conditional on Republicans winning both chambers of Congress in the November midterm elections.

He joked about how a couple might spend the money abroad before reiterating that it would have to be spent in the United States. Trump jokingly said, “Darling, the president just sent us $5,000. Let's go to France. It's a lovely place. No riots. No revolutions. You know, France seems to be so damn good for revolutions. It's unbelievable. Let's go to France and join the revolution and spend our $5,000 there.”

Trump had earlier said the proposed payment would come with a condition that recipients spend the money in the United States. “The only caveat is you have to spend that $5,000 in the United States of America,” he said, adding that the money could not be spent in countries such as China, Japan and France.

The remarks came as France witnessed nationwide demonstrations, with trade unions, students and other groups taking to the streets over rising living costs, wages, education conditions and concerns about public services. The protests reflected mounting frustration over economic pressures and perceived inequalities, adding to political challenges facing the French government ahead of the 2027 presidential election.