French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday sharply criticized President Trump and other foreign leaders for attributing the recent riots in France to immigration, calling their comments “unacceptable and even stupid.” Speaking to reporters in Doha, Qatar, Macron dismissed the narrative that France had been “invaded by hordes of migrants and Islamists,” calling it “totally false.”
“For me, there is no visible foreign interference in the events that took place. On the other hand, there was foreign manipulation of information which led to unacceptable and even stupid comments by many, including foreign leaders,” Macron said, as translated by Al Jazeera. When asked whether his criticism included Trump, Macron replied, “Among others, but he is part of it.”
Macron’s remarks came amid nationwide protests over school conditions and the rising cost of living, which escalated into scattered rioting in several cities. Over the weekend, more than half a million people took to the streets, and French authorities have arrested at least 2,500 individuals in connection with the unrest.
Macron condemns violence, defends order
While acknowledging the protesters’ grievances, Macron drew a firm line against the violence that accompanied some demonstrations. “The government’s objective is to hear and respect the concerns, the disagreements, sometimes the anger that is there to address their root causes to do so in an orderly manner,” he said. “But to separate them from the violence that has taken place, to which we will concede nothing.”
The French president also took a personal jab at his critics, saying, “You know, at times like this you see who loves France and who does not. All the people – it has to be said – all the people who are running down our country right now are people who don’t love our country. So these people get on my nerves.”
Trump and Vance double down on immigration narrative
Trump and Vice President JD Vance have joined right-wing leaders across Europe in blaming mass migration from the Middle East and Africa for the protests. Trump has sought to link the French unrest to his midterm messaging, warning that similar chaos could hit the U.S. if Democrats gain congressional majorities. On Tuesday, he told reporters in the Oval Office, “When I go to North Carolina, today I’m going to be speaking about it. But Europe has to change its ways or you’re not going to have Europe left.”
Vance, meanwhile, shared a video on social media of a 150-year-old town hall burning in France, writing that he hoped “Americans are paying attention.” He added, “This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country.”
Macron’s pushback comes as Democrats widen their midterm lead and Trump’s economic approval ratings slip, according to recent polls. The French president’s blunt rejection of Trump’s framing underscores the transatlantic rift over how to interpret the violence.
The protests, which began over education funding and living costs, have also drawn attention to broader social tensions. French officials have vowed to maintain order while addressing the protesters’ demands. Macron’s government has promised reforms, but the unrest has exposed deep frustrations among students and working-class families.
As the situation evolves, Macron’s comments signal a firm stance against what he sees as opportunistic political attacks from abroad. His direct rebuke of Trump is likely to further strain relations between the two leaders, who have clashed before on issues ranging from trade to climate policy.
For now, Macron remains focused on restoring calm and addressing the root causes of the protests, while pushing back against what he considers misinformation. His remarks in Doha serve as a clear warning to foreign leaders: France will not accept being scapegoated for internal challenges.
