Houston: A French researcher was denied entry to the United States and returned to France after allegedly criticizing former US President Donald Trump. The French government announced this on Wednesday, expressing concern over the incident.

According to Anadolu Agency, French Education Minister Philippe Baptiste stated the action was taken because the researcher's phone contained communications with colleagues and friends in which he expressed personal opinions on the Trump administration's research policies. The scientist was traveling to attend a conference near Houston on behalf of France's National Center for Scientific Research.

Diplomatic sources indicated that the incident took place on March 9 when the researcher, who specializes in space studies, was selected for a random check upon his arrival in the US. During this screening, officials examined his professional laptop and phone, uncovering messages that allegedly discussed the treatment of scientists under the Trump administration.

These messages were reportedly interpreted as demonstrating "hatred toward Trump and potentially qualifying as terrorism." Consequently, the researcher's electronic devices were confiscated, and he was sent back to Europe the following day, March 10.

Further reports suggest that the researcher was accused of sharing "hateful and conspiratorial messages," leading to an FBI investigation that was eventually dropped without charges. The French Foreign Ministry acknowledged the US's sovereign right over its immigration policies but expressed regret over the situation. The ministry reiterated France's commitment to promoting freedom of expression and maintaining academic and scientific cooperation, as conveyed by Le Monde.