Former President Donald Trump warned a Kansas rally crowd on Monday that the unrest seen in France could never happen in the United States, as he vowed to prevent similar chaos from taking hold in America. Trump’s remarks came during a campaign event in Wichita for Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, held amid ongoing protests in France over rising costs and immigration policies. He also addressed recent immigration enforcement actions in Kansas and criticized Democratic opponents in the state’s Senate race.
Trump cites French protests as cautionary tale
During the rally, Trump described the protests in France as a sign of what he alleged could happen in the U.S. if immigration policies were not controlled. “If you want to see what is at stake in this election, just look at what’s happening in France, a once great nation that is being conquered, looted, and burned to the ground by migrants, jihadists, and communists who hate Christianity, and they hate, frankly, the Western civilization itself,” Trump said. He claimed that “globalist, left-wing politicians” in Europe had “imported millions and millions of third-world migrants who are totally incompatible with [the] West, and they are incompatible with Western values.”
Trump addresses immigration enforcement and midterm elections
Trump also touted his administration’s immigration policies, stating that his administration had delivered “the most secure border in American history.” He cited figures from the White House, which claimed that 3 million undocumented immigrants had left the U.S. and that zero undocumented immigrants had been released at the border in seventeen consecutive months. Trump criticized Democratic opponents in Kansas, including Sen. Roger Marshall’s challenger, Adam Hamilton, for what he described as support for “unvetted refugees” and “extreme open border policies.”
Rally draws large crowd, features political endorsements
The event in Wichita drew thousands of attendees, with organizers and media reports describing the crowd as highly energetic. Opening remarks included a performance by musician Ted Nugent, who framed the election as a choice between “communism and we the people.” Trump also referenced his past use of the term “shylock” in a political context, defending Sen. Marshall against criticism over his past medical billing practices.
Protests interrupt rally, Trump responds
The rally was briefly interrupted by multiple protesters, though Trump continued speaking without extended disruption. He also criticized Michigan Democrats and reiterated his opposition to policies he described as promoting “radical left-wing” agendas.
Background: French protests and U.S. political context
The protests in France have involved mass demonstrations against rising fuel prices and the cost of living, with reports of looting, arson, and clashes with police. French officials have attributed the unrest to economic grievances, while some political figures in the U.S. have framed the situation as a consequence of immigration policies. In Kansas, the Senate race between Marshall and Hamilton remains competitive, with polls indicating a tight race ahead of the November midterm elections.
Policy and political reactions
Trump’s remarks reflect his continued emphasis on immigration as a central issue in the midterm elections, a strategy he has used in past campaigns. His claims about the situation in France and the implications for the U.S. have drawn both support and criticism from political observers. Immigration enforcement agencies have reported increased arrests and deportations in recent months, though critics argue that such policies do not address root causes of migration or economic instability.
Key figures and claims
- Donald Trump: Former president and current candidate for the 2024 election, emphasizing immigration control and warning against unrest in the U.S.
- Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS): Republican incumbent seeking re-election, whose campaign Trump endorsed.
- Adam Hamilton: Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Kansas, criticized by Trump for policies on immigration and social issues.
- French protests: Ongoing demonstrations in France over economic conditions and immigration, cited by Trump as a cautionary example.
- White House figures: Cited data on border security and immigration enforcement under Trump’s administration.
The rally in Kansas underscores the intersection of immigration policy, economic concerns, and electoral politics as the midterm elections approach.