A French scientist was stopped from entering the United States on March 9 when airport officials searched his electronic devices. They found private messages where he criticized the research policies of former President Trump. This has upset the French government.
Here’s what happened: The scientist, who works for the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), arrived at an airport near Houston, Texas. He was picked for a random security check. During this check, officials looked at his work computer and personal phone. They found conversations where he talked about how the Trump administration treated scientists.
The authorities accused him of having “hateful and conspiratorial messages.” Although they mentioned an FBI investigation, they did not charge him with any crime. His devices were taken away, and he was sent back to France the next day.
The French government reacted strongly. Philippe Baptiste, the French Minister of Higher Education and Research, expressed worry over the situation. He said in a statement, “I learned with concern that a French researcher was denied entry to the United States and expelled.” He mentioned that the decision was made because the researcher’s phone showed conversations expressing his opinion about Trump’s research policies.
Baptiste emphasized the importance of freedom of opinion and research. He promised to support the rights of all French researchers to express their views legally. He has also criticized Trump for cutting scientific research funding and for making controversial decisions since returning to the White House.
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