Trump calls for ending the ‘ridiculous’ Paris agreement in wake of French protests

President Trump has called for an end to the “ridiculous and extremely expensive Paris Agreement” amid the ongoing protests in France.

“Very sad day & night in Paris. Maybe it’s time to end the ridiculous and extremely expensive Paris Agreement and return money back to the people in the form of lower taxes? The U.S. was way ahead of the curve on that and the only major country where emissions went down last year!” he tweeted Saturday.

In another tweet hours prior, he wrote: “The Paris Agreement isn’t working out so well for Paris. 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.”

The U.S. president’s assertions have come in the wake of the French protests over potential fuel tax increase and in general, rising cost of living.

Some outlets have suggested Trump’s claims may not be entirely accurate. For instance, Axios has pointed out that the Paris Agreement does not actually include a gas tax hike though the outlet admits that efforts to address climate change would likely lead to higher fossil fuel prices.

Meanwhile, reporters for the AFP debunked the idea that French protesters were chanting, “We Want Trump!” Instead, they traced the activity to a widely shared video which was shot in June during a U.K. demonstration for a well-known far-right figure.