Trump Links French School Protests to Immigration and Islam

US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by linking ongoing student protests in France over school conditions to mass immigration and Islam.

In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, October 6, Trump claimed that what was happening in France was the result of “out-of-control mass immigration.” He argued that the protests were not really about schools but about Islam attempting to take over what he described as a once-great country.

The protests, however, did not begin over immigration or religion. They emerged from growing frustration over conditions in France’s schools, including staff shortages, deteriorating buildings and overcrowded classrooms.

The demonstrations have since spread across the country. While most of the protests have remained peaceful, several incidents of violence have been reported. One school student reportedly lost a hand, while another suffered vision loss. The incidents have also raised concerns over whether police used excessive force while dealing with demonstrators.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has defended the role of police in handling the protests, amid the wider debate over the authorities’ response.

Trump’s remarks come ahead of next month’s US midterm elections. Critics view his comments as part of his broader political messaging against immigration and his efforts to build public support for tougher deportation policies.

The French protests, meanwhile, continue to focus primarily on problems within the education system rather than immigration or religious issues.