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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 picture of the office of the US customs and border protection in Minneapolis Saint Paul Airport. Image for illustration purposes only.
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A French scientist was denied entry to the United States over private messages (Representational image)
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Overview

  • 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.