A French researcher has reportedly been barred from entering the United States, purportedly due to discussions deemed critical of Trump.
A French scientist was barred from entering the United States in early March, likely due to chat messages discovered on his mobile device that contained disparaging remarks regarding the Trump administration.
“It has come to my attention with considerable unease that a researcher from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France, en route to a conference near Houston, was refused entry into the United States and subsequently expelled,” remarked Philippe Baptiste, the French Minister of Higher Education and Research, in a statement to the French news agency AFP.
Embarking on a business trip representing a prominent national research institution
As reported by “Le Monde,” the scientist was undertaking travel for the national research institute, the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS). The CNRS stands as France’s largest public research institution, operating under the auspices of the ministry and led by Baptiste.
The scientist underwent a random inspection upon his arrival, during which both his work computer and personal mobile device were thoroughly examined. Following this, reports emerged indicating that messages “expressing hatred toward Trump” and containing elements that “can be classified as terrorism” were discovered on his phone. His belongings were seized, and he was sent back to Europe the next day.
“We shall resolutely advocate for the right to express ourselves freely.”
Baptiste asserted, “We shall steadfastly uphold the values of freedom of expression, free science, and academic freedom with pride.” The Foreign Ministry has reiterated the French government’s determination to bolster its dedication to academic and scientific collaboration.
The French Foreign Ministry emphasizes that the United States retains the right to exercise its sovereignty concerning the entry and residence of foreign nationals within its borders. The matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the French consular service.
Trump’s disregard for scientific research
The incident arises amidst a backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s alarming declarations regarding academic freedom since his return to the White House, whether it pertains to budget reductions or the disregard for specific subjects in research funding.
This was made evident, for instance, in the realm of medical research, particularly with the funding reductions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in early February.
Trump has also recently declared his plan to completely dismantle the U.S. Department of Education through an executive order. In the United States, government subsidies play a crucial role in supporting schools that cater to underprivileged families and students with learning disabilities.
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