U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt has warned that the current unrest in France is a harbinger of what the Democratic Party intends for America, contrasting it with achievements in manufacturing and crime reduction in Missouri that he attributes to cooperation with the Trump administration.
"You see what’s happening in France. That’s exactly what they want here, the DSA Democrats," Schmitt told Fox News Digital. He described the Democratic Party as "post-American and anti-Western civilization."
His remarks come as France has experienced widespread protests, riots, fires, and looting, initially sparked by rising living costs and strained public services. These events have led to curfews in parts of Paris and other cities.
Schmitt argued that with control of the House of Representatives potentially contested, Republicans must clearly articulate the stakes for voters while showcasing their accomplishments. He accused Democrats of obstructing Republican efforts on issues such as immigration, permitting reform, and deregulation.
According to Schmitt, Democratic control could jeopardize funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and potentially lead to a resurgence of what he termed the political weaponization of government under the Biden administration. He also pointed to recent legislative efforts by some Democrats to abolish agencies like ICE and Border Patrol.
However, Schmitt emphasized the need for Republicans to provide voters with compelling reasons to support them, citing job creation and public safety as areas where he believes progress has been made. In Missouri, he highlighted Boeing's selection to build the Air Force's F-47 and the Navy's next-generation F/A-XX fighter jet as significant investments in American manufacturing. These programs, secured by Boeing in recent years, are expected to create thousands of direct jobs and numerous opportunities for suppliers and related businesses.
Schmitt stated that these initiatives are crucial for maintaining U.S. military readiness, particularly in the Pacific, and align with the goal of making St. Louis a hub for defense technology. He also referenced Operation Show Me Justice, an ATF-led enforcement surge in St. Louis that resulted in hundreds of arrests and the seizure of numerous firearms and drugs. The operation, concluded in mid-October, also led to the seizure of over $1.25 million linked to illegal gun and drug transactions.
Schmitt further detailed his efforts to modernize St. Louis Lambert International Airport, proposing the Modern Skies Act to fund improvements in air traffic control technology, towers, and terminals. He argued that midsize airports require assistance in securing investments that larger hubs can more easily obtain.
Schmitt characterized the upcoming election as a choice between "common sense versus crazy," urging Republicans not to take voter turnout for granted and to actively campaign to communicate their message and successes.