White House Secretary Gives Brutal Response to French Politician Demanding the Return of the Statue of Liberty
A diplomatic feud erupted this week after a French politician demanded that the United States return the Statue of Liberty, claiming that America no longer upheld the values the monument was meant to represent. But White House Press Secretary Linda Matthews didn’t hold back in her response, delivering a cutting rebuke that left the international press stunned.
The controversy began when Pierre LaSalle, a far-left member of the French National Assembly, issued a fiery statement, arguing that the U.S. had “betrayed the spirit of liberty, democracy, and unity” and that France should reclaim the statue as a symbol of its own commitment to those ideals.
“The Statue of Liberty was a gift meant to inspire freedom and equality,” LaSalle declared in a speech before the Assembly. “Given recent events, it is clear that America no longer deserves this symbol. We must demand its return to France, where it will be properly honored.”
The comments quickly made headlines, sparking outrage among American officials. When asked about the demand during a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Linda Matthews did not mince words.
“With all due respect to Mr. LaSalle, the Statue of Liberty was a gift, not a lease,” Matthews said, her tone icy. “And unlike some in France, we don’t return gifts just because we don’t like how the recipient uses them.”
The room fell silent as she continued.
“If Mr. LaSalle and his colleagues are so concerned about the principles of liberty and democracy, perhaps they should focus on their own challenges before lecturing the United States. The last time I checked, the French government had its hands full with mass protests, energy crises, and political scandals of its own.”
Journalists exchanged glances as the statement sent shockwaves through the briefing room. But Matthews wasn’t done.
“The United States has stood as a beacon of freedom for nearly 250 years. We fought two world wars to protect democracy—including for France. We accepted the Statue of Liberty in good faith, and it will continue to stand in New York Harbor, representing the ideals that millions of people, including French citizens, still look up to.”
Her final words sealed the moment: “If France wants to reclaim a statue, may I suggest they start with Napoleon’s plundered artifacts before coming for Lady Liberty?”
Within hours, social media exploded with reactions. American commentators praised Matthews’ response as a “mic drop moment,” while LaSalle doubled down, insisting that he would introduce a formal resolution in the French parliament. However, even his own colleagues seemed hesitant to support the idea, with one French diplomat admitting off the record, “This is ridiculous. We gave them the statue, we’re not taking it back.”
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain—Lady Liberty isn’t going anywhere.
