Hollywood actor George Clooney has issued a sharp retort to former US President Donald Trump, who publicly mocked France's decision to grant the Clooney family French citizenship. The exchange highlights the ongoing political and cultural divisions between the prominent Democrat supporter and the Republican figurehead.
The Transatlantic Spat Over a French Passport
The controversy ignited after it was revealed that George Clooney, his wife Amal, and their two children were officially naturalised as French citizens earlier this month. The family, who have owned a property in the south of France for years, applied for citizenship under provisions for those who contribute to France's influence.
Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, writing: "Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration." He added further personal criticism of Clooney's film career.
Clooney, a long-time critic of Trump, fired back in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. Referring to the upcoming US midterm elections on 3 November, he stated: "I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We'll start in November."
Why France Welcomed the Clooneys
The decision by French authorities has not been without domestic debate. A junior minister in President Emmanuel Macron's government, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, expressed concern about a "double standard", noting Clooney's admitted poor command of the French language. However, the interior and foreign ministries firmly defended the move.
The French foreign ministry confirmed the naturalisation "meets the conditions set by law", having undergone rigorous security checks and interviews. It highlighted that the Clooneys "contribute through their distinguished service to France's international influence and cultural prestige". George Clooney's global film stature and Amal Clooney's work as a human rights lawyer collaborating with French institutions were cited as key reasons.
For his part, Clooney has been vocal about his family's happiness in France. He has praised the country's strict privacy laws, which shield his children from media intrusion, and the quality of life compared to Los Angeles. The family's home is the Domaine du Canadel, a former wine estate in Provence purchased in 2021.
A Broader Context of Immigration and Celebrity
This personal story unfolds against a backdrop of changing immigration rules in France. From 1 January, language requirements for citizenship will be toughened, requiring a level of French sufficient for university entry. Clooney's admission that his French is still poor after "400 days of courses" contrasts with his wife Amal's fluency.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said he was "very happy" with the decision, stating France was lucky to welcome the family. The Clooneys were among approximately 48,800 people who acquired French nationality by decree in 2024.
Clooney is not the only American artist seeking a French passport. Acclaimed director Jim Jarmusch announced last Friday that he was also applying, telling French radio he wanted "a place to where I can escape the United States". This underscores a continuing cultural dialogue between the two nations, often filtered through the lens of politics and celebrity.
