Trump Makes Controversial Remarks on France Student Protests

High school students in France have been protesting since late September, demanding better educational facilities, more teachers, less overcrowding in classrooms and repairs to deteriorating school buildings. On October 6, around 266,000 people took part in demonstrations across France, according to official figures, while organizers put the turnout at as many as 450,000. Teachers, parents and trade unions have also joined the protests. Some demonstrations turned violent, leading to clashes between protesters and police.

Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump made controversial remarks about the protests, claiming they were not about schools and alleging that Islam was seeking to take over France. However, recent reports indicate that the students’ stated demands primarily concern education infrastructure, staffing shortages and classroom conditions. Separately, Trump triggered another controversy at a campaign rally in Nebraska while discussing the war with Iran. He suggested that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego and described it as a small price to pay for security. California Governor Gavin Newsom and the mayors of Los Angeles and San Diego condemned the remarks. The White House said Trump was not advocating attacks on American cities.