"Let's Check the Phone"… French Scientist Trying to Enter US Ultimately Blocked Due to Message

Minister Philippe Baptiste Sends Statement to AFP Published by Le Monde

A French scientist was denied entry to the United States. This was because U.S. immigration officers at the airport searched his phone and found messages criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump.

On the 19th (local time), the British daily The Guardian reported the statement sent on Monday by Philippe Baptiste, French Minister of Higher Education and Research, to AFP, published by the leading French daily Le Monde.

President Trump in the White House Oval Office. Photo by UPI

In the statement, the minister said, "A French scientist affiliated with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), who went to the U.S. on the 9th to attend a conference, was denied entry because his phone contained personal opinions about the Trump administration's policies."

He added, "The freedom to research, study, and share opinions is a value we must proudly uphold," emphasizing, "I will defend the rights of all French scientists to respect and faithfully adhere to the law."

According to The Guardian, AFP reported that U.S. authorities accused the French scientist of having 'hateful and conspiratorial messages.' Although the FBI investigation was notified, it was reported that the charges were dismissed before deportation.

Minister Baptiste has publicly criticized the Trump administration and Elon Musk for drastically cutting science research budgets.

On the 9th, the same day the scientist was denied entry, Minister Baptiste issued a letter urging American researchers to migrate to France. He stated, "Many renowned researchers are already questioning their future in the U.S., and we will welcome them."

Additionally, on the 12th, he appeared on TV and posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) saying, "Research on health, climate, energy, and AI is being destroyed in the U.S."