Trump Blames Immigration for French Riots
US President Donald Trump criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, attributing the escalating riots in France to immigration and urging border closures.
The Cliff News | 20 October 2026
United States President Donald Trump has sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron amidst the ongoing riots in France, directly linking the widespread unrest to immigration policies and suggesting France is on a path to becoming a predominantly Muslim nation.
“Paris is going to be a Muslim city very soon, and that wasn't the deal... Emmanuel should've closed his borders a long time ago. I told him to do it,” Trump stated, emphasizing his belief that immigration is the sole cause of the violence. He reiterated his advice to Macron, urging him to “Close up your borders!”
Escalating Unrest and Security Measures
Trump's strong remarks came as French authorities implemented heightened security measures following a weekend marked by significant civil unrest. The disturbances saw targeted attacks on city halls, public buildings, and widespread damage and looting of businesses.
The scale of the situation is underscored by the arrest of at least 2,400 people. Authorities estimate that approximately 3,000 businesses have suffered damage or were looted during the riots.
In response, Paris police instituted an overnight curfew from 11 PM to 6 AM in sensitive areas, including Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district. Demonstrations and gatherings were also prohibited from 8 PM. Several other cities adopted similar restrictions, including curfews for minors.
Political Fallout and Official Statements
The escalating violence has triggered a political crisis within France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered his resignation on Sunday, but President Macron rejected it, citing the urgent need for continued leadership in managing law enforcement responses.
President Macron has directed Nuñez to ensure transparency regarding any failures in planning and intelligence gathering. He also called for the swift introduction of new policing tactics to address the ongoing challenges.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Nuñez conceded that authorities had “lost control” in some major urban centers. He admitted that the extent of the destruction revealed significant shortcomings in the government's response.
Political Reactions and Criticisms
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended the police's handling of the riots, noting with relief that “no one was killed, and that is a miracle,” despite the severe violence and extensive property damage.
Meanwhile, far-right National Rally president Jordan Bardella has accused the government and President Macron of failing to safeguard the French populace. Bardella urged citizens to leverage their electoral power to hold the leadership accountable for the current crisis.