Trump says French protests are due to 'massive migration wave'

President Trump asserts that the widespread student protests across France are a consequence of "uncontrolled migration" and Islam.

"What is happening in France is a direct result of massive uncontrolled migration. This isn't about schools; it's about Islam trying to take over a once-great nation!" President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on 6/10. His comments referred to the student protest movement sweeping across France.

The US president, known for his tough stance on immigration, did not elaborate on his argument or provide any evidence for his claim. His assertion contrasts sharply with the consensus among French politicians from all factions, who have not observed any connection between the student protests and religious demands or migrant-related issues. France has been one of the European nations that accepted many migrants from Africa.

Nevertheless, key voices within Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement are fully leveraging the wave of protests in France. They aim to emphasize the immigration issue just before next month's midterm elections. Before President Trump's post, commentators aligned with the MAGA faction had consistently posted videos depicting chaotic protest scenes in France.

"The wave of riots in France is a clear warning for the rest of the Western world," Glenn Beck, a close ally of President Trump, wrote on X on 6/10. Right-wing commentator Dave Rubin also issued a warning to his 1,6 million social media followers: "This will happen in the US if the Democrats return to power."

President Donald Trump speaks at an event in Maryland on 6/10. *AP*

The French high school student protest movement against deteriorating facilities and teacher shortages has lasted more than two weeks. It has spread nationwide, marked by many violent clashes. Over 6.500 people, mainly minors, have been arrested.

French police suppress protesting crowds. *Reuters*

Hundreds of thousands of people on 6/10 continued to take to the streets, demanding improved learning conditions and education reform. Clashes that day resulted in at least 488 arrests and 43 security personnel injuries. That evening, President Emmanuel Macron held an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and key ministers to find a solution to the crisis.

Most schools reopened on 7/10, but more than 500 schools remained partially closed. Students piled up trash bins to block entrances. The French government reported that at least 215 students, 85 teachers, and 715 police officers have been injured since the protest movement began.