Senator Schmitt Warns French Unrest Foreshadows Democratic Agenda for U.S.

The unrest unfolding in France serves as a preview of what Democrats intend for the United States, according to U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt. The Missouri Republican drew a parallel between the chaos in France and the agenda of what he termed "DSA Democrats," contrasting it with recent manufacturing job growth and federal crime crackdowns in Missouri, which he attributes to collaboration 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. His comments come as France has experienced riots, fires, and looting following protests against the rising cost of living and strained public services. These demonstrations have led to curfews in parts of Paris and other French cities.

Schmitt expressed concern about the direction of the Democratic Party, stating, "I think the Democrat Party at this point is sort of post-American and anti-Western civilization."

With control of the House of Representatives considered competitive, Schmitt emphasized the need for Republicans to clearly articulate the stakes for voters and highlight their accomplishments. He criticized Democrats for obstructing Republican initiatives on immigration, permitting reform, and regulations. Schmitt also warned that a Democratic majority could jeopardize funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and potentially lead to a resurgence of what he described as the "political weaponization of government" under former President Joe Biden.

However, Schmitt also stressed the importance of Republicans providing tangible reasons for voter support, pointing to job creation and public safety as areas where he believes cooperation with the Trump administration has yielded positive results. He cited Boeing's selection to build the Air Force's F-47 and the Navy's next-generation F/A-XX fighter jets as a significant investment in American manufacturing, with contracts secured in September for the Navy and the previous year for the Air Force. Schmitt noted that these programs are expected to create 7,000 direct jobs, with additional opportunities for suppliers and related businesses, furthering St. Louis's goal of becoming the defense tech capital of the United States.

Schmitt, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, highlighted the strategic importance of these next-generation fighters in the context of competition with China, particularly for addressing military demands in the Pacific. He also pointed to Operation Show Me Justice, an ATF-led enforcement initiative in St. Louis, as a success in public safety. This operation resulted in 435 arrests, the seizure of 166 firearms, 81 kilograms of drugs, and over $1.25 million in suspected illegal transaction funds, concluding on October 15.

Schmitt described the impact of violence on families, including the efforts of grandparents cleaning up damage and parents mourning lost children. "We don’t need to accept this," he asserted. "We just don’t need to accept the idea that violent crime needs to be in the headlines every single day." He pledged that efforts to enhance public safety would continue beyond the initial surge, stating, "This isn’t a one-and-done deal. There are more resources coming."

A third priority for Schmitt is the modernization of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. His proposed Modern Skies Act aims to fund improvements in air traffic control technology, towers, and terminals, addressing the need for investment in midsize airports. "St. Louis is the gateway to the West. It deserves a world-class airport," he said.

Schmitt characterized the upcoming elections as a choice between "common sense versus crazy" but cautioned Republicans against complacency, urging them to "fight for every vote and tell an important story" to secure victories in the Senate and potentially the House.