Former US President Donald Trump has amplified criticism surrounding France’s decision to grant citizenship to Hollywood actor George Clooney and his family, injecting himself into a contentious debate over immigration standards. The controversy emerged following an official decree confirming the naturalization of Clooney, his human rights attorney wife Amal, and their two children through ministerial approval rather than standard administrative channels.
The diplomatic gesture coincides with France’s implementation of stricter language requirements for citizenship applicants effective January 1, 2026, creating perceptions of preferential treatment. Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to mock the development, stating: ‘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.’
Internal government divisions surfaced when Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a junior interior minister, acknowledged ‘double standards’ in the case, noting Clooney’s limited French proficiency despite his claims of 400 lessons. This contrasted with defending statements from Interior Minister Laurent Nunez and the Foreign Ministry, which emphasized the family’s compliance with legal procedures including security vetting, interviews, and tax payments.
The ministry justification highlighted the Clooneys’ ‘distinguished service to France’s influence’ through George’s film industry contributions and Amal’s collaborations with French academic institutions. Statistics reveal approximately 48,800 individuals acquired French nationality by decree in 2024, though most undergo the newly strengthened language and civic knowledge requirements that exclude the Clooneys due to their pre-2026 application timing.
The actor maintains a property in Provence’s Brignoles region, describing France as where his family feels ‘happiest’ due to privacy protections. Meanwhile, Hollywood director Jim Jarmusch has similarly sought French citizenship, reflecting broader patterns of cultural figures seeking European alternatives amid American political tensions.