Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly rebukes French politician’s demand while defending Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act in deportations.
🔹 White House Fires Back at France Over Statue of Liberty
The White House has firmly rejected a call from a French politician demanding the return of the Statue of Liberty, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivering a scathing response.
“Not happening, and my advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it is 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.”
The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the U.S. in 1886, has long been a symbol of freedom and democracy. However, recent political tensions between the two nations have led to renewed nationalist rhetoric, prompting the unexpected demand for its return.
🔹 Trump Administration Defends Controversial Deportations
Meanwhile, tensions are rising over the Trump administration’s decision to deport Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The administration argues that it acted within constitutional authority, while a federal judge has temporarily halted the deportations.
Leavitt, addressing concerns over the legal challenge, stated:
“This administration acted within the confines of the law, again within the president’s constitutional authority and under the authority granted to him under the Alien Enemies Act. We are wholly confident that we are going to win this case in court.”
The deportation order, which targeted members of Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang, was challenged by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who verbally ordered a 14-day pause on the flights.
However, the White House ignored the ruling, arguing that deportation flights had already left U.S. airspace before the judge’s written order was issued.
“All of the planes subject to the written order of this judge departed U.S. soil before the judge’s written order,” Leavitt said, adding that legal teams would contest the matter in court.
🔹 Legal Battle Over Deportations Escalates
The Biden-appointed Judge Boasberg has now scheduled a hearing to determine whether the Trump administration defied the court’s order. The case is expected to escalate quickly, with the Trump administration appealing the ruling—potentially sending it to the Supreme Court for a final decision.
With deportations, immigration policy, and international tensions taking center stage, the coming weeks could shape key foreign and domestic policies in the U.S. ahead of the 2025 presidential election.