Sen. Eric Schmitt is pointing to the turmoil in France as a warning about what he believes progressive Democrats would bring to the United States, while highlighting Missouri’s manufacturing growth and a federal crackdown on crime as evidence of what Republicans can achieve alongside the Trump administration.
“You see what’s happening in France. That’s exactly what they want here, the DSA Democrats,” the Missouri Republican said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Schmitt’s comments came after protests over high living costs and pressure on public services escalated into riots, arson and looting across France. Authorities imposed curfews in parts of Paris and other cities as the unrest intensified.
“I think the Democrat Party at this point is sort of post-American and anti-Western civilization,” Schmitt said.
With Republicans facing a competitive fight to retain the House, Schmitt said the party must clearly explain what is at stake while also giving voters tangible reasons to support its candidates.
Discussing the potential impact of a Democratic House on President Trump’s agenda, Schmitt accused Democrats of blocking Republican priorities, including immigration enforcement, permitting changes and regulatory reform.
He also warned that Democrats in control of the House could threaten funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and bring back what he characterized as the politicization of federal agencies under former President Joe Biden.
At the same time, Schmitt said Republicans cannot rely solely on criticism of Democrats. He argued that the party must demonstrate how its policies are creating jobs and improving public safety, pointing to Missouri as an example of cooperation with the Trump administration.
In Missouri, Schmitt cited Boeing’s selection to develop the Air Force’s F-47 and the Navy’s next-generation F/A-XX fighter aircraft as a major boost for the state’s manufacturing and defense industries.
Boeing won the Air Force contract last year and secured the Navy deal in September.
Schmitt, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the projects are expected to create 7,000 direct jobs while generating further demand for suppliers, contractors and local businesses.
“It means that the goal we’ve been fighting for, which is that St. Louis is the defense tech capital of the United States of America, is coming true,” he said.
The senator said he worked with Trump and administration officials to help bring the fighter programs to Missouri, calling them “generational opportunities” for workers across the state.
“You think of the good-paying jobs that’s going to mean for generations to come, it’s just a game changer,” Schmitt said.
He added that the aircraft programs are part of a broader effort to counter China, arguing that the next generation of American fighters will be critical to meeting military demands in the Indo-Pacific.
Schmitt also pointed to Operation Show Me Justice, an ATF-led public safety initiative in St. Louis. According to the Justice Department, the operation produced 435 arrests and led to the seizure of 166 firearms.
Officials said the operation, which concluded Oct. 15, also resulted in the seizure of 81 kilograms of drugs and more than $1.25 million believed to be connected to suspected illegal gun and drug transactions.
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Schmitt said his discussions with administration officials have centered on a direct appeal for assistance in his hometown.
“St. Louis, we need your help,” he said.
The former Missouri attorney general described the human cost of violent crime, saying families have been forced to cope with shattered windows, while parents have endured the devastating loss of their children.
“We don’t need to accept this,” he said. “We just don’t need to accept the idea that violent crime needs to be in the headlines every single day.”
He pledged the effort would continue beyond the surge.
“This isn’t a one-and-done deal. There are more resources coming,” Schmitt said.
For families wanting to send children safely to school, visit a park or attend a Cardinals game downtown, he said the goal is a better quality of life.
“I think the message is help is on the way, and there are real tangible results now, not just rhetoric, not just empty promises,” Schmitt said.
“We’re not letting up.”
Schmitt’s third major priority is modernizing St. Louis Lambert International Airport, an effort he linked to the region’s aerospace growth and aviation history.
His Modern Skies Act would fund improvements to air traffic control technology, towers and airport terminals. He said midsize airports need help securing investments that larger hubs can more readily finance.
“St. Louis is the gateway to the West,” he said. “It deserves a world-class airport.”
The proposal remains a legislative push rather than a guaranteed funding award for Lambert. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said during an October visit that airport funding would be competitive.
For Schmitt, those priorities form part of the argument Republicans need to make as voters weigh control of Congress.
He cast the election as “common sense versus crazy,” but cautioned that Republicans cannot assume their supporters will show up.
“I just don’t think you can take anything for granted,” Schmitt said. “I think we have to fight for every vote and tell an important story.”
“I think if we do that, we’re gonna hold on to the Senate, and the House is up for grabs.”