Donald Trump links French cost-of-living protests to U.S. immigration debate ahead of midterms

U.S. President Donald Trump used the recent cost-of-living protests in France to campaign for his Republican party on Monday, October 19, 2026. Speaking at a rally in Kansas, the 80-year-old President claimed that France was being conquered and burned to the ground by migrants, jihadists, and communists. Earlier in the day, he wrote on Truth Social that migrants had taken over France and called for borders to be closed fast. He also recalled telling French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in the past that Paris would soon become a Muslim city. Demonstrations over high living costs and fuel prices broke out across France over the weekend, leading to violent clashes with police, looting, and partial curfews on Monday. While the unrest was sparked by soaring inflation, Mr. Trump molded the clashes into evidence supporting strict anti-immigration policies. Vice President J.D. Vance also blamed Western liberals for importing the third world into France on X, while various right-wing U.S. media figures blamed Muslim immigration for a crisis in Western identity. Experts suggest the rhetoric is an attempt to boost the Republican party during tough midterm elections. Opinion polls favor the rival Democratic Party ahead of the November 3 elections that will decide control of Congress. Analysts like J.C. Lintzenich and Celia Belin noted that the administration is exporting domestic policies and trying to mobilize its base. However, polls show that domestic issues like the economy and healthcare matter far more to U.S. voters than international events.

Context

U.S. political figures frequently use international events to highlight domestic policy debates ahead of major elections. The upcoming midterm elections will determine control of the U.S. Congress, motivating political leaders to energize their core supporters using high-profile debates.