President Emmanuel Macron has condemned what he calls “unacceptable and stupid comments from foreign leaders” about the ongoing protests in France. Macron said Wednesday that foreign leaders — including those "on the other side of the Atlantic" — were seeking to exploit France's tense social climate for political gain following a weekend of street violence and looting. Protests over soaring living costs have led to widespread rioting and looting that have drawn worldwide attention and shocked many French citizens. President Trump has used the violence to rally his political supporters, making unsubstantiated claims that "migrants" and "jihadists" are responsible for the unrest, and urging Macron to "close your borders and take control before it is too late."

When asked whether he agrees with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff’s characterization of Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a humanitarian” following Russia's decision to release American Stephen Hubbard, President Trump said Wednesday, "I wouldn't say anything one way or the other.” “We’re negotiating with Russia to stop the war with Ukraine, and we have been pretty happy with Russia that they have not gotten involved with Iran,” Trump said, later adding, "The last thing I want to do is upset an apple cart where we're getting close to settling a war.”