Trump Claims Democrats Want to Bring France’s «Raging Fires» to America as His Approval Crashes to 31%

Donald Trump has warned that the United States could experience the same violent unrest currently gripping France if Democrats win the November 3 midterm elections. Speaking at a Republican rally in Park City, Kansas, on October 19, Trump described France as being «conquered, looted, and burned to the ground», blaming migrants, jihadists and communists for the destruction.

Trump directly accused Democrats of wanting to reproduce the violence in American cities. «When you see burning steeples and raging fires in France, just remember that is what the radical Dumocrats want to do to America», he told supporters. He immediately added, «They expect to do it. They’re not going to come close.»

Trump also blamed European immigration policies, claiming that left-wing governments had allowed millions of migrants into countries whose cultural values they did not share. «This is — what’s happening to France they want to happen to our country. It’s never happening here», he declared. His accusations were not accompanied by evidence that Democratic leaders support violence.

France’s unrest followed nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs, deteriorating education and public services. On October 17, an estimated 550,000 to 800,000 people participated in protests across the country. Although many gatherings remained peaceful, others descended into violent confrontations, with groups attacking businesses, setting vehicles ablaze and clashing with police in major cities.

Authorities reported approximately 2,400 arrests following widespread violence in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities. Thousands of businesses were reportedly damaged or looted, while Limoges suffered one of the most destructive incidents when its historic nineteenth-century city hall caught fire. The building sustained extensive damage, including the partial collapse of its roof.

The unrest has intensified pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron, whose government faces criticism over its handling of the demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered his resignation after acknowledging serious policing failures, but Macron refused to accept it. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu subsequently introduced localized curfews as authorities promised tougher measures against vandalism and looting.

Addressing the nation on October 18, Macron condemned the destruction while distinguishing peaceful demonstrators from violent groups. «Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable», he declared. Macron also emphasized the legitimacy of protesters’ grievances over economic hardship and public services.

While Trump attributed France’s violence primarily to immigration and left-wing politics, the demonstrations emerged from broader economic and social discontent. French officials have blamed radical activists and opportunistic criminals for much of the destruction. The distinction highlights the difference between the unrest’s underlying causes and Trump’s portrayal of France as a warning against Democratic leadership.

Trump’s warnings come as his political opponents accuse his own administration of contributing to economic instability through tariffs, controversial spending priorities and foreign policy decisions. Democratic critics argue that rising consumer prices and the energy consequences of the conflict involving Iran have undermined his promises to lower living costs and restore American economic prosperity.

A Reuters/Ipsos survey released October 19 found Trump’s approval rating had fallen to 31%, the lowest recorded in the pollster’s series across his two presidential terms. Approximately 66% disapproved of his performance. Rising gasoline prices and persistent financial pressure on American households contributed to mounting dissatisfaction, creating challenges for Republicans ahead of the midterms.

The Reuters/Ipsos survey also found Democrats leading Republicans 47% to 35% among registered voters in congressional vote preference. Trump traveled to Kansas to support Republican Senator Roger Marshall as his party defended its congressional majorities. His warnings about France therefore come as voters express growing dissatisfaction with conditions under his own administration.