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The French foreign ministry plans to summon the U.S. ambassador to Paris following remarks made by the Trump administration regarding the recent death of a French far-right activist, which they attribute to the far-left. France’s leading diplomat announced this action on Sunday.
The death of Quentin Deranque has heightened tensions within France, stirring discord between the political left and right ahead of the 2027 presidential election. It has also drawn international attention, with the Trump-era U.S. administration condemning what it labeled as “terrorism” in France on Friday.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told French media outlets—Le Monde, France Inter, and France Info—that they will call in the U.S. ambassador, as the U.S. embassy’s comments on the incident concern the entire nation. He emphasized, “We reject any attempt to exploit this tragedy for political gain.”
The timing of the ambassador Charles Kushner’s summon has not been disclosed. Kushner is the father-in-law of former President Trump.
Deranque, aged 23, died from head injuries sustained during clashes between radical-left and far-right supporters during a demonstration in Lyon on February 12, opposing a politician from the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party.
On Saturday, over 3,000 gathered in Lyon to honor Deranque, with authorities increasing security due to fears of further violence.
On Friday, Sarah Rogers, the State Department’s under secretary for public diplomacy, stated that Deranque’s death exemplifies “why we treat political violence—terrorism—so seriously.” She wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “When people choose to kill others for their opinions instead of persuading them, civilization suffers.”
The Bureau of Counter-Terrorism also issued a statement highlighting the rise of violent radical leftism, asserting that its role in Deranque’s death underscores the threat it represents to public safety. The U.S. embassy in France shared this message.
This incident has also sparked a diplomatic dispute between France and Italy, whose right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has close ties with Trump. Meloni described Deranque’s death as “a wound for all of Europe,” prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to criticize her for intervening in French internal matters.
Six individuals suspected of involvement in Deranque’s death have been charged, including a parliamentary assistant linked to a radical left-wing Member of Parliament, who faces charges of complicity.
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