Trump blames France protests on migration and Islam

U.S. President Donald Trump attributed protests in France to what he called uncontrolled mass migration and Islam, rejecting the education concerns cited by demonstrators. The protests, which spread across the country, have centered on school funding, staffing and conditions, while some demonstrations have involved clashes with police. In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump wrote that the unrest was “nothing less than out of control mass migration” and “about Islam wanting to take over” France, rather than schools. His explanation was an assertion by Trump; the reports provide no evidence establishing migration or Islam as the cause of the protests. Students and supporters have demonstrated over complaints including teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating buildings and inadequate resources. Students have blockaded schools, and marches have drawn teachers, parents and other public-sector workers. Protests have been reported in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Nantes and Strasbourg. Accounts describe some gatherings as peaceful and others as involving fires, thrown projectiles or confrontations with police, who used tear gas in some locations.