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Border scandal in Houston: French researcher expelled for criticizing Trump!
A French researcher was turned away from entering the United States after critical news reports about Trump were discovered.
Border scandal in Houston: French researcher expelled for criticizing Trump!
An incident in the US state of Texas is increasing diplomatic pressure between France and the USA. A French space explorer invited to a conference in Houston was subjected to a routine security check upon entry, which soon led to a nationwide outcry. As the crown reported that his work computer and personal cell phone were confiscated and searched. The reason? In his private messages, the scientist criticized the Trump administration's research policies, which were deemed potentially suspicious by US border authorities.
Incident and response follow a worrying pattern in the US, such as the Daily Gazette reported. French Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste expressed regret over the expulsion of the scientist, stressing that such measures threaten the fundamental values of freedom of expression and academic freedom. The US authorities justified their restrictive measures with “hateful and conspiratorial messages” that they focused on. The reason for the scientist's exclusion was interpreted as part of a larger political agenda adopted during Trump's term in office, which has left many researchers unsettled.
Diplomatic tensions and freedom of expression
When the researcher, who works for the important research institution CNRS, entered the country, his electronic devices were intensively searched due to “suspicious” contents. The correspondence found, which was interpreted as an expression of “hatred of Trump,” led to the confiscation of equipment and ultimately to the scientist's deportation to Europe. This raises concerns about freedom of expression in the United States, especially when critical voices from academia face massive resistance, Baptiste said. The French government has also raised questions about the harassment of international scientists and their safety in the United States, as other foreigners have also had to cancel their trips under similar circumstances.