Donald Trump: France is dealing with one of its biggest student mobilisations in decades, and now a war of words with Washington. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday responded to US President Donald Trump’s description of the protests, saying France must write its own story instead of letting others define it.
What Trump Said
Trump wrote on Truth Social that the unrest was driven by “out of control mass migration” and Islam, adding that it was not about schools. He gave no evidence. US official Mike Waltz echoed the concerns, blaming unchecked immigration. In France, no link has been established between the student movement and any religious or identity-based demands.
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How France Responded
Barrot warned that if France does not write its own story, others will write it for it. He said rivals, adversaries and partners are all trying to interpret the movement in their own way. His remarks did not directly address Trump’s claims point by point, so the “rejection” is implied in his message about narrative.
What the Students Actually Want
The protests began around September 17 over deteriorating school buildings, teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and education funding. Students have blocked the entrances to hundreds of high schools since late September. Some marchers have also raised anger at police and the government.
Scale of the Unrest
- A High School Students Union said more than half of France’s roughly 3,700 high schools were blockaded or expected to close on Tuesday
- The Interior Ministry reported 6,100 arrests since September, mostly minors
- Police fired tear gas in Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg and Rennes
- The education minister said 24 schools have been burned and ransacked
Government Position
The education minister first called the movement legitimate at the outset. The Interior Ministry now says the unrest no longer reflects the legitimate demands of students and is pushing for a new anti-rioting law.
