Trump and Vance attribute recent civil unrest in Europe to immigration

In October 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance linked escalating civil unrest in France and Italy to migration policies. Following reports of riots that led to widespread looting, hundreds of injuries, and approximately 1,800 arrests in France, including damage to landmarks like the Limoges City Hall, both leaders publicly condemned Western liberal immigration strategies. They argued that these policies have compromised societal cohesion and national security.

President Trump, writing on Truth Social, urged European governments to close their borders immediately, claiming that the influx of individuals from different cultural backgrounds has shattered countries like France. He further claimed to have previously warned French President Emmanuel Macron that such policies could lead to significant demographic shifts, specifically describing the potential for Paris to become a 'Muslim city.' Vance echoed these sentiments on X, criticizing the disregard for integration and suggesting these developments serve as a warning for U.S. voters ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.

Beyond France, Trump has extended his criticism to Italy, stating that similar migration-related protests are destabilizing the nation. He maintains that if European countries do not adopt strict border controls, their decline will be irreversible.