Trump Targets Macron Over Immigration, Claims ‘Paris Will Soon Become a Muslim City’

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has taken a swipe at French President Emmanuel Macron over France’s immigration policy, claiming that Paris could soon become a Muslim-majority city. Trump said he had warned Macron years ago against allowing large numbers of people from other countries to enter France, arguing that the policy could have serious consequences.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump described Macron as a friend but reiterated his disagreement with France’s approach to immigration. He claimed that the French President had ignored his advice and urged France to tighten its borders. Trump also questioned Europe’s broader immigration policies.

His remarks come amid reports of protests, vandalism, arson and looting in several French cities. However, the demonstrations have also been linked to economic grievances, including inflation, the rising cost of living and concerns over public services. Trump’s criticism of immigration policy remains his own assessment of the situation.

Trump Claims He Warned Macron Years Ago

Trump said he had cautioned Macron long ago that allowing large numbers of people from different parts of the world to enter France was a mistake. According to Trump, the French President failed to heed his warning, and Paris is undergoing significant demographic and cultural changes as a result.

The US President pointed to reports of unrest in Paris and other French cities to reinforce his criticism of Macron’s policies. His comments have once again brought immigration and border control to the forefront of political debate in Europe.

Paris Police Tighten Security Amid Unrest

French authorities have introduced security restrictions in areas affected by violence, including restrictions on public gatherings and overnight curfews in designated locations. Officials have also discussed the possibility of imposing a broader state of emergency if the situation deteriorates further.

French official Sébastien Lecornu said that imposing restrictions in affected areas was, for now, more appropriate than enforcing a city-wide curfew across Paris. Authorities have prioritised restoring public order and protecting businesses and public property.

According to figures cited in reports on the unrest, approximately 2,400 people have been arrested, nearly 1,000 police officers have been injured, and around 3,000 shops have been affected. These figures reflect the reported scale of the disturbances.

Macron Condemns Violence, Calls for Peaceful Protests

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned incidents of arson, looting and vandalism, maintaining that violence cannot be justified under any circumstances. He has stressed the need to distinguish between people expressing legitimate grievances peacefully and those engaging in destructive acts.

Macron has also acknowledged public concerns over inflation, financial pressures and the quality of government services. He said the authorities must address these issues while taking firm action against violence.

Protests Driven by Economic and Public-Service Concerns

The demonstrations reportedly began with a student-led movement highlighting issues such as teacher shortages and shortcomings in the education system. Over time, wider public frustration over rising living costs, economic difficulties and the delivery of government services also became part of the unrest.

The situation has created a significant challenge for the French government, which must restore law and order while responding to the concerns of students, workers and businesses affected by the disturbances.

Trump, meanwhile, has used the unrest to renew his criticism of Macron’s immigration policy and European border controls. However, immigration-related claims should be distinguished from the reported economic and public-service grievances that have contributed to the protests. The precise causes of the unrest and the role of individual factors require separate assessment.