United States President Donald Trump has attributed the ongoing student protests in France to mass migration and Islam, rather than concerns over the country’s education system.
Trump made the claim on Tuesday in a post on Truth Social as demonstrations by French high school students continued to spread across the country.
“What’s happening in France is nothing less than out of control mass migration. This isn’t about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country!” he wrote.
The protests, which began in September, have seen students blockade hundreds of high schools over complaints about poor learning conditions, teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school facilities. The demonstrations have also led to clashes with security forces in some areas.
More than 250,000 people took part in demonstrations across France on Tuesday as teachers, unions and other supporters joined the students in demanding improvements to the education system.
Trump has repeatedly criticised European immigration policies and used migration as a central theme in his political messaging. His latest comments came as the 2026 US midterm elections approach.
Supporters of Trump’s Make America Great Again movement have also seized on the unrest in France to advance arguments over immigration and the direction of European societies.
MAGA commentators have shared videos of the demonstrations on social media, with Trump ally Glenn Beck describing the unrest as a warning to other Western countries.
The protests have become increasingly tense, with clashes between demonstrators and police reported in several cities. French authorities have also reported hundreds of arrests amid the unrest.
However, reports on the demonstrations have identified education-related grievances, including shortages of teachers, inadequate facilities and overcrowded classrooms, as the main concerns raised by students.
Trump blames France student protests on mass migration, Islam