French foreign minister responds to Trump over student protests

France’s foreign minister on Tuesday responded to US President Donald Trump's characterization of France's ongoing high school protests, saying France must "write its own story" rather than allow others to define events in the country.

"If we do not write our own story, others will write it for us," Jean-Noel Barrot said, according to broadcaster BFMTV, warning against allowing France to "endure the stories of others."

His remarks came after Trump attributed the student-led protests in France to what he described as "out of control mass migration" and Islam.

"What’s happening in France is nothing less than out of control mass migration. This isn’t about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump's comments came as tens of thousands of students, teachers, and other demonstrators took to the streets across France over concerns including deteriorating school infrastructure, teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and education funding.

Barrot said France's "rivals, adversaries, and partners" are all attempting to interpret the ongoing movement "in their own way."

The protests have intensified in recent days, with demonstrations spreading across the country and clashes reported in several cities.

The French Interior Ministry said 488 people were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the demonstrations, while 43 law enforcement officers were injured.

The protests, which began with demands over school conditions and resources, have grown into one of France's largest student mobilizations in decades, with 450,000 people participating, according to organizers.