WASHINGTON, D.C. — US President Donald Trump has mocked the unrest sweeping France, joking that Americans should travel there to “join the revolution” as demonstrations over the cost of living and public services escalated into clashes, fires and looting.
Trump made the remarks during a campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, on October 16. While discussing a proposed $5,000 payment to Americans, he joked that recipients could take the money abroad, before referring to France’s history of revolutions and the latest street unrest. His comments were reported by NDTV and reflected in a transcript of the rally.
“Let’s go to France. It’s a lovely place. No riots, no revolutions,” Trump said sarcastically, before adding that France seemed particularly suited to revolutions and suggesting that people go there to take part.
The remarks came after nationwide demonstrations in France on Saturday, October 17, over rising living costs and dissatisfaction with public services. Although many marches were peaceful, violence broke out in several cities, with masked groups attacking shops and public buildings, setting fires and clashing with police. Officers used tear gas and water cannons to disperse some crowds.
Vance blames immigration policies
US Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on the unrest, blaming immigration policies and what he described as failures to address integration and cultural compatibility.
In a post on X, Vance accused Western liberal politicians of bringing people from developing countries into France and other Western nations in the name of diversity and compassion, while neglecting questions about their integration into society.
He argued that political leaders had been warned about the potential consequences and urged France to stop the violence before more historic landmarks were damaged. Vance also used the unrest to criticise congressional Democrats, suggesting that their policies could lead to a similar future in the United States.
His comments linked the unrest to immigration, although the demonstrations also reflected grievances over economic pressures, wages, education and public services.
Hundreds of thousands join demonstrations
The protests drew large crowds across France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez put nationwide participation at approximately 550,000 people, including around 110,000 in Paris. Organisers gave a higher estimate of 800,000 participants. The figures have not been reconciled.
Clashes and property damage were reported in Paris and other cities, including Limoges, Lyon and Marseille. In Paris, groups of masked people set fire to parked vehicles and damaged or looted businesses.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said the damage in the capital was extensive, describing entire streets as having been devastated. The unrest also affected public buildings, while police faced attacks involving projectiles and fireworks.
The demonstrations brought together people protesting rising living costs and deteriorating public services, alongside students and labour groups raising concerns about education, wages and social inequality.
Trump’s remarks and Vance’s response have turned the French unrest into a subject of US political debate, with both officials using th
