Schmitt warns French chaos previews Democratic vision for US

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) stated that the unrest in France serves as a preview of the political direction Democrats intend for the United States. The Missouri Republican made the comparison during an interview with Fox News Digital, linking the foreign turmoil to domestic policy disputes. "You see what’s happening in France. That’s exactly what they want here, the DSA Democrats," Schmitt said. He described the Democratic Party as "post-American and anti-Western civilization" while arguing that Republicans must clarify the stakes of the upcoming elections.

The warning coincides with riots, fires and looting in France that followed protests over rising living costs and strained public services. Curfews were implemented in parts of Paris and other cities as the situation escalated. Schmitt used this backdrop to frame the contest for control of the House of Representatives, which he noted is "up for grabs." He asserted that a Democratic majority would obstruct Republican efforts on immigration, permitting reform and regulations. Specifically, he warned that such a shift could jeopardize funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and revive what he characterized as the political weaponization of government under former President Joe Biden.

Schmitt countered these claims by highlighting specific achievements in Missouri attributed to cooperation with the Trump administration. He pointed to Boeing’s selection to build the Air Force’s F-47 and the Navy’s next-generation F/A-XX fighter as a major boost to U.S. manufacturing. The company won the Navy contract in September, following its victory in the Air Force program in 2024. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Schmitt stated these programs would create 7,000 direct jobs, with additional opportunities for suppliers and surrounding businesses. He described these as "generational opportunities" for Missouri workers and linked the next generation of fighters to meeting military demands in the Pacific against China.

On public safety, Schmitt cited Operation Show Me Justice, an ATF-led enforcement surge in St. Louis. According to the Justice Department, the operation resulted in 435 arrests and the seizure of 166 firearms. Additionally, officials confiscated 81 kilograms of narcotics and over $1.25 million tied to alleged illicit firearm and substance dealings. Officials announced the operation concluded on Oct. 15. Schmitt said his conversations with administration officials focused on securing resources for his hometown, describing the effort as ongoing rather than a one-time intervention.

A third priority for Schmitt is modernizing St. Louis Lambert International Airport through his Modern Skies Act. The proposal would fund improvements to air traffic control technology, towers and airport terminals, aiming to position St. Louis as a defense tech capital and gateway to the West. While Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated during an October visit that airport funding would be competitive, Schmitt emphasized that midsize airports require assistance to secure investments that larger hubs can more readily finance.

Schmitt framed the election as a choice between "common sense versus crazy," cautioning that Republicans cannot assume voter turnout from their base. He pledged to fight for every vote to retain Senate control while competing for the House, asserting that tangible results in jobs and public safety provide the necessary narrative for voters.