Karoline Leavitt claps back at French politician’s demand to return Statue of Liberty: 'Absolutely not'

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t hold back when responding to a French politician’s demand that the United States return the Statue of Liberty.

In a fiery moment during Monday’s press briefing, Leavitt dismissed the idea outright and delivered a history lesson that left little room for argument.

Karoline Leavitt fires back at French politician over Statue of Liberty demand

The controversy began when Raphael Glucksmann, a left-wing member of the European Parliament, criticized the US for what he saw as a departure from the values the statue represents.

Speaking at a political event, he accused America of turning its back on freedom and innovation and suggested that the statue should be reclaimed by France.

“We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demonstrating scientific freedom, give us back the Statue of Liberty. We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home,” Glucksmann declared, insisting that the US no longer deserves the iconic monument gifted by France.

France presented the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1884, with its grand unveiling taking place in 1886. A plaque on the monument bears an excerpt from the poem The New Colossus, which reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.”

He also added, “The second thing we’re going to say to the Americans is, if you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, their taste for doubt and research, have made your country the world’s leading power, then we’re going to welcome them.”

During the briefing, Fox News’ Peter Doocy brought up the unusual demand, asking Leavitt if President Trump had any plans to return the statue. Her response was swift and unapologetic.

“Absolutely not,” she stated before delivering a pointed remark directed at Glucksmann. “My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. They should be very grateful to our great country.”

Glucksmann’s remark about the US “siding with the tyrants” appears to reference Trump’s move to engage in direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to arrange an end to the war in Ukraine.

Trump initially excluded Ukraine from the early discussions between Washington and Moscow. The situation escalated when both Trump and Vice President JD Vance harshly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an Oval Office meeting last month, causing unease across Europe.

Shortly after, Trump put a hold on US military aid to Ukraine.

Karoline Leavitt’s reply to French politician over Statue of Liberty wins support

Karoline Leavitt is earning praise online after firing back at a French politician over comments regarding the Statue of Liberty. Her sharp and unapologetic response quickly gained traction, with supporters applauding her stance and wit.

Social media users rallied behind Leavitt, with one user writing, “There goes my herooooooo! Leavitt is a beast.”

Another wrote, “She is a bada*s.”

One commented, “I love this woman! She does a fantastic job, and she is quick and witty.”

Some supporters took the opportunity to weigh in on the larger debate. “What are the ‘values of the Statue of Liberty’ that are not in line with current-day America? Not funneling more money into Ukraine? Not wanting to get screwed over by tariffs from other countries?” one user asked.

Another added, “The values are not being the world's piggybank and migrant hotel.”

Another wrote, “And there you have it! And AMAZING LADY! LFG!”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.