Rep. Ro Khanna Criticized for Linking France Riots to Wealth Inequality

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., a potential 2028 presidential contender, has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum for his remarks linking the recent riots in France to wealth inequality and urging the U.S. to "listen to our young."

Khanna posted on X Sunday evening, "This is what happens when the nations let wealth and power accumulate in the hands of a few." His comment followed nationwide demonstrations in France over the cost of living and public services that escalated into violence, looting, and arson in several cities.

Critics accused Khanna of giving political legitimacy to the destruction. Spencer Pratt, a former mayoral candidate for Los Angeles, wrote, "Of course Rohit Conman sees mass communist riots destroying businesses and historic buildings in Paris and lies about it as some noble ‘ask’ for justice." He added, "These commies lie as easily as they breathe."

Shannon Watts, a gun activist who has previously criticized the far-left, stated, "If you’re a member of Congress who condemned the January 6 insurrection, you don’t get to excuse riots in France as a ‘cry for help.’ Political violence doesn’t become acceptable just because you sympathize with people committing it."

Political commentator Jonathan Turley suggested Khanna seeks to "ride the rage wave to power" and warned that history does not bode well for establishment figures who pander to the mob.

Planned demonstrations in France over the weekend saw nearly 2,400 arrests nationwide, including 855 in the Paris region, according to French authorities. Nearly 1,000 police officers were injured, and one protester died. Public buildings and businesses were damaged or destroyed in cities like Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Lyon.

Despite the backlash, Khanna argued that the events in France should prompt American lawmakers to take younger voters' demands more seriously, especially concerning equity. He called for an "America’s Next New Deal" and stated, "From the high schools of France to the streets of Madrid to the universities of Tirana, young people are telling their governments the same thing: in an age of massive wealth inequality, they want a future they can believe in."

Following the criticism, Khanna issued a clarification, stating, "I unequivocally condemn violence and vandalism. I have always championed my grandfather’s example of non-violent protest." He added, "Let us not be blind to the anger young people have against the unholy alliance of wealth and power. The billionaires buying politicians. The corruption."

Even after his clarification, Khanna faced further condemnation. Former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., responded to Khanna by stating, "These are not mere students… my friend, I regret to inform you, this is an invasion," alluding to France's recent refugee intake.

Khanna retorted to Santos, "George, is the lesson not to tackle the vast disparity here and young people’s hopelessness?"

Khanna's office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment from Fox News Digital.