Trump blames Islam and mass migration for France protests

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on Air Force One from Shannon, Ireland to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on September 13. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP US President Donald Trump attributed the student protests in France to “mass migration” and “Islam,” as part of promoting his global right-wing narrative ahead of his country’s challenging midterm elections. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump presented his own perspective on the events, writing: “What’s happening in France is nothing less than out of control mass migration. This isn’t about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country!” The protests actually center on resources allocated to the education sector. Since late September, French students have blocked the entrances to hundreds of high schools across the country to demand better conditions—protests that have seen sporadic clashes with security forces. Additionally, more than a quarter of a million demonstrators took to the streets nationwide on Tuesday, according to the newspaper “Le Monde”. The French newspaper reports that prominent figures within the pro-Trump “Make America Great Again” movement have been exploiting the protests in France to reinforce their views on immigration, ahead of the US midterm elections scheduled for next month. Commentators aligned with the movement have repeatedly shared videos showing the unrest in France; Trump ally Glenn Beck stated on Monday that the riots in France serve as a clear warning to the rest of the West. The French newspaper noted that Republicans have intensified their focus on immigration and anti-transgender rhetoric, amid concerns that the US President’s low approval ratings and his threats of war with Iran could cause them to lose control of Congress. Back to top button