French Scientist Denied U.S. Entry Over Criticism of Trump Administration
The incident has drawn international attention to academic freedom, immigration policies, and diplomatic tensions between France and the U.S.
- A French scientist traveling to a conference in Houston was denied U.S. entry on March 9 after Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers found messages on his phone critical of the Trump administration.
- U.S. authorities reportedly accused the scientist of sending 'hateful and conspiratorial messages,' prompting an FBI investigation that was later dropped.
- The French government has condemned the expulsion, with Research Minister Philippe Baptiste emphasizing the importance of academic freedom and free expression.
- The scientist, affiliated with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), was expelled to France the following day, and his phone and computer were confiscated.
- The incident highlights broader concerns about U.S. immigration enforcement, freedom of opinion, and strained scientific collaboration between France and the United States.