Donald Trump claims protesters are chanting ‘we want Trump’ at Paris riots

Donald Trump has tweeted his support for France as rioting in Paris intensifies.

As police officers struggle to control violent crowds in the French capital for a fourth consecutive weekend, making more than 575 arrests, the US President appeared to sympathise with protesters.

He also claimed "yellow vest" campaigners were chanting "we want Trump" and blamed the Paris Agreement for the violence.

"The Paris Agreement isn’t working out so well for Paris," he said.

"Protests and riots all over France. People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third world countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment.

"Chanting “We Want Trump!” Love France."

French media branded Trump "smug" while Twitter erupted into a frenzied row over the "fake news" tweet.

White House Correspondent for France 24, Philip Crowther, said: "Quick fact-check: the protests in France have absolutely nothing to do with Trump.

"There is one single ‘we want Trump’ chant from around a dozen people recorded on video, and it’s from the UK."

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Paris, which is on lockdown, as confrontations over energy prices intensify.

They continue to demand President Emmanuel Macron resigns, despite him being forced into making the first major U-turn of his presidency by abandoning a fuel tax.

Despite the climbdown, the "yellow vests" continue to demand more concessions from the government, including lower taxes, higher salaries, cheaper energy costs, better retirement provisions and even Macron’s resignation.

By early afternoon today, French authorities had arrested more than 575 people in connection with the rioting, many for weapon possession or violence.

As clashes began this morning, 8,000 officers formed a "wall of steel" in the city – by mid afternoon violence had erupted once more, with water canon and tear gas used to hold protesters back.

According to French media, many had begun ripping off boards used to protect shops, and were using them to create a barrier in the middle of the Champs-Elysees.

The Drugstore Publicis, which was vandalised and looted during France’s World Cup win celebrations, has reportedly been targeted and a phone shop raided.

Tourist landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, have been closed as a precaution.

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