As midterms loom, Trump seizes on France unrest for political gain

As the midterm elections draw near, former US President Donald Trump has seized on recent unrest in France to bolster support for the Republican Party. Speaking with reporters, Trump referenced a previous conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, stating, "You're making a big mistake in France. You're letting everybody from the world come in...Paris is going to be a Muslim city very soon." On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, "The migrants have taken over France. They must CLOSE THE BORDERS, FAST!"

Protests over high living costs erupted in France over the weekend, turning violent in some instances and prompting authorities to impose curfews. While these protests originated from economic concerns, Trump has framed the situation as evidence supporting his stance on immigration. Political analysts note that while Trump's rhetoric may have been effective in the 2024 election, it may not resonate with voters this time around.

Opinion polls indicate a strong preference for the Democratic Party in the No. 3 midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. As videos of the unrest in France circulated on social media, Trump's vice president, Mike Pence, criticized the situation on social media, linking the crisis to broader issues of assimilation and Western identity.

Experts suggest that Trump's approach is more likely to energize his base rather than sway undecided voters, whose primary concerns lie with the economy and domestic issues.