Ro Khanna sparks backlash over France riot comments as critic says he wants to ‘ride the rage wave’

Rep. Ro Khanna Draws Bipartisan Criticism After Referencing French Riots

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D‑Calif.) sparked a flurry of backlash on social media after posting on X this Sunday evening about the violent protests that erupted across France on Saturday. In a 1,400‑character comment, the California congressman warned that “when nations let wealth and power accumulate in the hands of a few, the result is unrest,” and urged Americans to heed the grievances of younger voters.

Khanna’s message came in the wake of demonstrations in Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Lyon, and other cities that escalated into looting, arson and clashes with police. French authorities said that by Sunday evening nearly 2,400 people had been arrested nationwide, including 855 in the Paris region, and that almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, seven seriously. One protester died of cardiac arrest during the unrest. Fires broke out in Limoges city hall, and stores were looted in several major urban centers. Police estimates put the number of demonstrators at about 550,000, while organizers cited around 800,000.

In his original post, Khanna wrote, “This is what happens when young people lose hope in their future. In America, let us listen to our young. We need an economic and political transformation. America’s Next New Deal.” He added, “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.”

Khanna’s remarks were criticized from across the political spectrum. Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt accused the congressman of “giving political legitimacy to the destruction,” writing, “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. These commies lie as easily as they breathe.” Conservative commentator and former congressman Shannon Watts also weighed in, saying, “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 added that Khanna has “long sought to ride the rage wave to power” and cautioned that “this history does not bode well for establishment figures who pander to the mob.” Turley also drew a comparison with the French Revolution, noting that the past “does not bode well for establishment figures who pander to the mob.”

After the flurry of criticism, Khanna issued a follow‑up post clarifying his position. He wrote, “I unequivocally condemn violence and vandalism. I have always championed my grandfather’s example of non‑violent protest.” Referring to his grandfather, Indian independence activist Amarnath Vidyalankar, Khanna 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.”

The clarifying statement did not quell the backlash. Former Republican Representative George Santos fired a retort, claiming, “These are not mere students… my friend, I regret to inform you, this is an invasion,” in reference to France’s high intake of refugees. Khanna responded to Santos, questioning, “George, is the lesson not to tackle the vast disparity here and young people’s hopelessness?”

Khanna’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment. The incident highlights the sharp divide in American politics over how to interpret and respond to social unrest abroad—and the extent to which U.S. lawmakers can or should draw lessons for domestic policy from events that unfold in other nations.