United States President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for violent unrest in France, calling on the European country to close its borders and take stronger control of migration.

Trump made the remarks on Sunday in a post on his Truth Social platform, claiming that immigration from culturally different backgrounds had contributed to France’s problems.

He wrote that France was “burning” and urged the government to close its borders before the situation deteriorated further.

The comments followed widespread protests across France on Saturday, during which demonstrators and violent groups damaged public buildings, looted businesses and clashed with security personnel.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said about 1,800 people had been arrested nationwide, including a record 855 in Paris, as authorities began investigations to identify those responsible for the violence.

Several streets in the French capital were left scarred by burnt-out vehicles, smashed shopfronts and debris. Other cities affected by looting and property damage included Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice and Strasbourg.

The Retail and Trade Federation estimated that approximately 1,500 businesses had been damaged, with the financial losses running into hundreds of millions of euros.

Trump’s remarks came a day after US Vice-President JD Vance made similar comments, blaming Western liberal policies on diversity and immigration for what he described as failures to address questions of assimilation and cultural compatibility.

Vance also expressed concern over the destruction of French landmarks and called for an end to the unrest.

However, French authorities have attributed the violence to radical far-left groups and individuals involved in looting, rather than establishing immigration as its cause.

The demonstrations were driven partly by concerns over rising living costs and public services, with student protests over education conditions contributing to the wider mobilisation.

Although many demonstrators participated peacefully, smaller groups engaged in arson, vandalism and confrontations with police.

The unrest has increased pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron’s government as the country approaches its 2027 presidential election.

Trump’s comments reflect his administration’s broader criticism of European immigration policies, which it has repeatedly linked to social instability and cultural tensions.

French authorities continue to investigate the violence and assess the damage, while the government faces demands to restore public order and address the grievances behind the demonstrations.