Hollywood star George Clooney, his wife Amal, and their seven-year-old twins have been granted French citizenship, sparking both controversy over the expedited naturalization process and a renewed public feud with President Donald Trump.
A French government bulletin published over the New Year weekend confirmed that the Clooney family has officially become French citizens. The Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker, along with human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, were granted citizenship because "they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France's international influence and cultural outreach," according to the French government.
The Foreign Ministry explained that the Clooneys were eligible under a French law that allows for naturalization of foreign nationals who contribute to France's international influence and economic well-being. Officials argued that France's cinema industry will benefit from the actor's clout as a global movie star, while Amal Clooney regularly works with academic institutions and international organizations in France.
The Clooneys purchased an 18th-century estate in Provence, France in 2021. In an Esquire interview this past October, the actor described the French "farm" as their primary residence, a decision he said was made with their children in mind.
However, the decision has not been without criticism. France's junior interior minister, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, criticized the fast-tracked French passport given to the Hollywood star despite him reportedly speaking poor French. She said the move suggested a "double standard," particularly as the news came just ahead of tougher language requirements for citizenship being implemented for everyone else under new immigration rules from January 1.
The citizenship announcement also reignited tensions between Clooney and President Trump. In a New Year's Eve Truth Social post, Trump called the couple "two of the worst political prognosticators of all time" and criticized Clooney for supporting then-Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election. "Clooney got more publicity for politics than he did for his very few, and totally mediocre, movies," Trump wrote.
Clooney responded the following day with characteristic wit. "I totally agree with the current president," the actor said in a statement shared with entertainment outlets, before adding a pointed reference to the upcoming midterm elections: "We have to make America great again. We'll start in November."
The exchange highlights the ongoing cultural divide in American politics, with celebrities like Clooney remaining vocal critics of the Trump administration while the president continues to use his platform to attack Hollywood figures who oppose him.
The French government has defended its decision, emphasizing the cultural and economic benefits of welcoming such high-profile international figures to France.
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