Former US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Hollywood actor George Clooney and France itself, after it was revealed that Clooney and his family have officially become French citizens. Trump used the occasion to criticise France's immigration policies and crime rates, drawing parallels with the United States under President Joe Biden.
Trump's Social Media Tirade Against Clooney and France
On his Truth Social platform, Trump reacted to the news by calling George and Amal Clooney "two of the worst political prognosticators of all time." He stated that they had become citizens of a country which is, in his view, "in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration."
In a series of posts made on New Year's Eve, Trump further claimed that France's alleged issues were "much like we had under Sleepy Joe Biden." He also took personal aim at Clooney's acting career, asserting the actor got more publicity for his political views than for his "very few, and totally mediocre, movies." Trump recalled that Clooney, a long-term Democratic supporter, had initially backed Biden in the 2024 election but later expressed concerns about the president's age.
French Citizenship Grant Sparks Domestic Debate
The controversy stems from an official decree seen by AFP on Monday, confirming that the 64-year-old Oscar winner, his human rights lawyer wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney, and their two children were granted French citizenship. The French government defended the decision on Wednesday, stating the Clooneys were naturalised because "they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France’s international influence and cultural outreach."
However, the move has not been universally welcomed within France. Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a junior minister at the Interior Ministry, publicly questioned the fairness of the decision. She pointed out that Clooney himself admits to speaking "horrible, horrible" French, while new immigration rules from January 1 are set to toughen language requirements for other citizenship applicants.
"The message being sent is not good," Vedrenne said in an interview with France Info. "There is an issue of fairness that, in my eyes, is absolutely essential." Her comments highlight a perceived double standard, suggesting the celebrity couple may have received special treatment.
A Political and Cultural Flashpoint
This incident has become a flashpoint at the intersection of celebrity, immigration policy, and international politics. Trump's comments align with his administration's historical support for anti-immigration parties in Europe. For France, the Clooney naturalisation has ignited a domestic debate about the consistency and equity of its citizenship rules, especially as it prepares to implement stricter criteria for the general public.
The French government's defence underscores the value it places on global cultural ambassadors, while internal criticism reflects concerns over procedural fairness. The episode continues to resonate as a symbol of the broader, often heated, discussions surrounding immigration, privilege, and national identity on both sides of the Atlantic.
