Donald Trump has invoked violent unrest in France as he urged Kansas voters to keep Republican senator Roger Marshall in office, warning without providing evidence that similar disorder could reach the United States if Democrats win.
Speaking at a rally on Monday, Mr Trump said he had travelled to Kansas to support Mr Marshall, whose seat is being threatened by Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton. The contest is unfolding in a state the president won by 16 points in 2024 and which has not elected a Democrat to the US Senate for 94 years.
“I love you Kansas, but I’m here for a guy named Roger Marshall,” Mr Trump told supporters.
He then pointed to protests in France, where demonstrations over the cost of living and underfunded public services have descended into riots and looting. The unrest has been among the worst seen in the country in years.
“We’re not going to let that happen to this country,” Mr Trump said. “When you see burning steeples and raging fires in France, just remember that is what the radical Dumocrats want to do to America.”
Mr Trump has used “Dumocrats” as a mocking term for Democrats. During the rally, he also turned to anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric, themes that have featured in his three presidential campaigns.
Rights advocates have repeatedly criticised the president’s rhetoric, including his attacks on and mockery of immigrants and ethnic minority groups.
Mr Hamilton, a pastor of a Methodist megachurch, is campaigning against Mr Trump’s tariff agenda and what he describes as the president’s “erratic leadership”. Mr Trump said of his opponent: “He wants you to repent for being born White.”
The president is in the midst of a 32-day campaign blitz, making frequent visits to areas he won comfortably in previous elections as Republican candidates face voter frustration over the Iran war and rising prices.
A Reuters-Ipsos poll published on Monday found that 31% of Americans approved of Mr Trump’s performance in office, the lowest recorded level for the president.
Democrats need a net gain of four seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to overturn Republican majorities of 218-214 and 53-47 respectively.
