'People with hatred in heart': Trump blames immigrants as France burns; Vance warns US

US president Donald Trump has blamed immigration for the violent unrest that swept across France, urging the country to close its borders as protests over the cost of living and public services escalated into clashes, looting and arson.

The remarks came as French authorities grappled with widespread damage following Saturday’s demonstrations, with reports on Sunday putting arrests at around 1,800 and hundreds of police officers and emergency personnel injured. In Limoges, workers assessed the damage to the 143-year-old city hall, which was partially destroyed in an arson attack.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country. Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The protests on October 17 drew an estimated 550,000 people, according to France’s Interior Ministry, while the CGT labour union put the turnout at 800,000. The demonstrations brought together students, trade unions and activists protesting rising living costs, deteriorating public services and inadequate conditions in education. While many marches began peacefully, violence broke out in several cities.

Earlier, Trump had mocked the unrest, sarcastically suggesting that France was a destination for those seeking a revolution. “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,” he said.

Earlier, US vice president JD Vance also attributed the unrest to what he described as Western liberal policies on immigration and multiculturalism. “Western liberals imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion. They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility,” Vance wrote on X. “They were told it would lead to this and they didn’t listen,” he added, urging French authorities to act before more landmarks were damaged. “I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” Vance said. He also linked the situation to US domestic politics, writing: “And I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country.”