WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders are pointing to the unrest in France as a warning for American voters in the final two weeks before the Nov. 3 midterms. On Tuesday, Trump said he plans to spend more than $400 million of his political war chest to help Republican candidates.
The effort is described in a POLITICO report by Alex Gangitano and Scott Waldman, based on interviews with six Republicans.
What Trump said
Trump said the spending was prompted partly by what he called events in France and elsewhere in Europe. At a rally in Kansas on Monday night, he said Democrats want what is happening in France to happen in the United States. He also criticized Democrats in sharp terms.
North Carolina Republican Party chairman Jason Simmons, speaking where Trump campaigned on Tuesday, said France “should serve as a wakeup call for all Americans.”
Who is repeating the message
- Vice President JD Vance spoke about the protests at a rally in North Carolina on Monday and tied them to immigration.
- Speaker Mike Johnson blamed the unrest on France’s open borders and described it as a warning about what happens if the left gets its way.
- The Republican National Committee issued a statement saying France shows what goes wrong when immigration is left unchecked.
- The White House posted violent images on social media with captions saying this is the future Democrats want for America. Spokesperson Lauren Bis said the riots are a direct result of France’s immigration policies.
- Peter Navarro, a White House trade adviser, called the violence a “warning shot.”
- Florida Rep. Randy Fine said at a rally with gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds that the unrest would come to America if people do not “stand up.”
What is actually happening in France
POLITICO describes the unrest as starting weeks ago with student protests over poor conditions and overcrowding in schools. Protesters then called for national demonstrations against high energy costs and rising inflation. Those led to new clashes with police, looting and burning buildings. For the background, see our report on the protests in France.
The Republican statements describe the violence as the result of immigration and open borders. That is the speakers’ characterization, and the causes are disputed.
Why Republicans are doing this now
POLITICO reports that Republicans are trying to close an enthusiasm gap, even in red states. Polls show tight Senate races in states Trump won two years ago, including Kansas and North Carolina. Some top congressional Republicans have privately concluded it is likely impossible to keep control of the House, according to the report.
Republicans have also criticized Democratic candidates such as Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed and Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, and groups such as the Democratic Socialists of America.
What critics say
Some Democrats are skeptical that the message will work, calling it the latest attack Republicans are trying as polls show them trailing in races they expected to win. Harvard pollster John Della Volpe, who advised Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, said voters are mostly concerned with the cost of living and corruption, and that “this is not about persuasion” but about getting the base to vote.
What’s next
The reports reviewed do not say how Trump’s $400 million would be divided or when it would be spent. Election Day is Nov. 3. This story will be updated as the campaign and the French protests develop.
