US President Donald Trump has pledged that the violent unrest sweeping France will never be allowed to take hold in the United States, as French authorities struggle to contain widespread riots and public disorder.
Speaking at a political rally in North Carolina on Tuesday, Trump pointed to the escalating violence in several French cities and assured Americans that similar scenes would not unfold on US streets.
“Can you believe what’s happening in France? We’ll never have anything like that here. I promise you,” Trump told supporters.
The president’s remarks came amid growing unrest across France, where demonstrations over rising living costs and deteriorating public services have descended into riots, looting and violent confrontations with police.
Trump has repeatedly linked the turmoil to immigration, arguing that France’s border policies have contributed to the crisis. However, the demonstrations were initially driven by economic grievances and concerns over education funding, with French authorities also blaming extremist groups and opportunistic looters for the violence.
French authorities have introduced emergency security measures, including nighttime curfews in parts of Paris, Lyon and other major cities, to prevent further destruction and restore public order.
The disturbances have seen vehicles set ablaze, businesses vandalised and public buildings attacked, prompting an extensive police response.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the restrictions had helped restore calm in some affected areas, although authorities remained on heightened alert ahead of further demonstrations.
The unrest has also spread beyond France, with demonstrations and incidents of violence reported in other European countries amid mounting frustration over living costs and economic pressures.
Trump’s comments come less than two weeks before the November 3 US midterm elections, with immigration and public security emerging as prominent themes in his efforts to rally Republican voters.
The president has increasingly used the turmoil in France to defend his administration’s immigration crackdown and warn against what he describes as the consequences of weak border enforcement.
