Ro Khanna Faces Backlash Over France Riot Comments

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., a potential 2028 presidential contender, is facing criticism from both sides of the political spectrum after he pointed to the riots in France as a warning about wealth inequality and urged the United States to «listen to our young.»

In a post on X on Sunday evening, Khanna wrote: «This is what happens when the nations let wealth and power accumulate in the hands of a few.» He added that «this is what happens when young people lose hope in their future» and called for «an economic and political transformation» in America.

The comments came after nationwide demonstrations in France over the cost of living and public services descended into violence, looting and arson in several cities on Saturday. French authorities said nearly 2,400 people had been arrested nationwide by Sunday evening, including 855 in the Paris region. Nearly 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, seven seriously, according to the Interior Ministry. One protester died after suffering cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris.

In Limoges, a fire that authorities said was deliberately set at the city hall caused significant damage to the historic building. Shops were looted in Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Lyon and other cities, while public buildings were vandalized or targeted by fires. Authorities estimated that more than 550,000 people participated in demonstrations across France, while organizers put the figure at roughly 800,000.

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.»

Shannon Watts, a Democratic gun activist who has recently criticized the far-left portions of her party, also condemned the remarks. «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,’» she wrote. «Political violence doesn’t become acceptable just because you sympathize with people committing it.»

Jonathan Turley, a political commentator and legal analyst, said Khanna «has long sought to ride the rage wave to power.» Turley added that «Khanna could indeed learn much from France. This is history repeating itself. That history, by the way, does not bode well for establishment figures who pander to the mob.»

In response to the backlash, Khanna issued a follow-up post clarifying his stance. «I unequivocally condemn violence and vandalism. I have always championed my grandfather’s example of non-violent protest,» he wrote, referencing his relative Amarnath Vidyalankar, who was imprisoned for advocating for India’s independence in the early 1930s. «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,» he added.

Even after the clarification, criticism continued. Former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., wrote: «These are not mere students… my friend, I regret to inform you, this is an invasion,» referring to France’s high intake of refugees in recent years. Khanna responded by doubling down on his view, asking 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 comment. The episode highlights the broader debate over how American politicians address economic discontent and youth frustration as the 2028 presidential race begins to take shape.

3Views

Author

Delaney Sawyer

Society Reporter

Delaney Sawyer covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

All articles by this author