Washington, October 20, 2026 – The Europe Today: US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could face violent unrest similar to recent disturbances in France if Democrats gain control of Congress in the upcoming November midterm elections.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Park City, Kansas, on Monday, Trump referred to protests and violence in France while urging voters to support Republican Senator Roger Marshall, who is facing a competitive re-election contest.
Trump claimed that similar disorder could spread to American cities under Democratic leadership, although he provided no evidence to substantiate the comparison.
France has witnessed significant civil unrest in recent years, with demonstrations over living costs and public services at times escalating into riots, looting and clashes. Trump cited scenes of burning buildings and public disorder to criticise his political opponents over immigration, cultural issues and public security.
The rally was organised in support of Marshall, a first-term Republican senator seeking re-election against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton, a Methodist pastor.
Kansas has traditionally been a Republican stronghold and has not elected a Democrat to the US Senate since 1932. Trump won the state by a margin of 16 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, but the Senate contest has become more competitive amid concerns about rising prices and the economic consequences of the conflict involving Iran.
Hamilton has criticised Trump’s tariff policies and leadership, arguing that federal economic decisions have placed additional pressure on farmers, rural communities and public services.
In a video released before the rally, Hamilton welcomed Trump’s visit to Kansas and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the president where their positions aligned. However, he pledged to challenge federal policies he considered harmful to Kansas residents, particularly farmers and rural hospitals.
Trump used the event to attack Hamilton personally, while Marshall focused much of his campaign message on cultural and social issues.
The president’s visit formed part of a 32-day campaign tour aimed at mobilising Republican voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
According to a Republican familiar with the campaign strategy, internal polling has indicated weakening support for Trump among rural men aged 55 and younger, a demographic that played an important role in his 2024 election victory.
A Reuters/Ipsos survey published on Monday put Trump’s approval rating at 31 per cent, reportedly a record low. Economic dissatisfaction has emerged as a major concern for voters, particularly as fuel prices continue to rise.
Near the rally venue in Park City, gasoline was priced at $3.98 per gallon and diesel at $5.78, representing an increase of approximately 45 per cent compared with average fuel prices in Kansas a year earlier, according to AAA data cited in the report.
Some Republican voters attending the rally expressed frustration over the rising costs of food, fuel and other essential goods.
Meanwhile, protesters outside the venue criticised the administration’s agricultural and trade policies, arguing that tariffs and increasing production costs were adding to the financial pressures facing local farmers.
Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress, controlling the House of Representatives by 218 seats to 214 and the Senate by 53 seats to 47. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in each chamber to secure control in the November elections.
Despite Kansas’ longstanding Republican voting record, the state has elected Democratic Governor Laura Kelly for two consecutive terms, demonstrating that Democratic candidates can also attract significant statewide support.
The midterm elections are expected to test the strength of Republican support amid economic concerns, political divisions and growing debate over the administration’s domestic and foreign policies.
