‘Stupid talk’: France rejects Trump’s attempt to blame unrest on migration
French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed comments from US President Donald Trump, who blamed France's recent civil unrest on migration and open-border policies. Student protesters and political analysts also rejected Trump's characterization, suggesting his remarks were intended for a domestic American audience.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights the growing trend of international leaders using domestic crises in other countries to influence their own political bases.
The US president has turned his attention to France, but his comments were dismissed by French leader Macron.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Protesters block an entrance to the Louvre Museum to express their support for the high school students' movement in Paris, France, October 19, 2026 [Christophe Petit Tesson/EPA] By Virginia Pietromarchi Published On 22 Oct 2026 22 Oct 2026 Paris, France – As France reels from violent clashes during protests, riots and looting, the blame game is on.
One argument making waves across the political spectrum – and across the Atlantic – is that migrants and open-border policies are responsible.
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
France Deploys 70000 Police Officers as Fresh Nationwide Protests Begin
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in