HILLBILLY NATIONALISM
Republican radio host humiliated after saying Statue of Liberty is American architecture

David McAfee
December 25, 2023

State of Liberty (Shutterstock)

A conservative talk show host on Monday was hit with severe pushback after a social media post that appeared to hail the Statue of Liberty, gifted to the U.S. by France, as a supreme example of American architecture.

Jesse Kelly, who in 2021 openly speculated that Republicans may soon get tired of "following the rules" and "pick a fascist" to lead the party, posted on Christmas eve that American art and architecture is superior to that of Europe.

“People love to sound sophisticated and brag about European art and architecture,” he said Sunday. “I’ve seen America’s and I’ve seen what they’ve got. Theirs can’t touch ours.” Along with that caption, Kelly also included a photo of the Statute of Liberty.

Kelly’s post was hit with a “community note” from the social media platform, which states that “readers added context to this image.”

“The copper statue, a gift from the people of France, was designed by French sculptor Bartholdi, its metal framework was built by Eiffel,” the note states. “The statue was dedicated in October 1886. The idea came from abolitionist de Laboulaye, to commemorate the centennial of U.S. independence.”

Kelly hit back at the community note, responding with, “I thought [Elon Musk] taking over would let freedom ring on this site.”

“Guess I was wrong,” the radio host added. “Sorry, but these colors don’t run.” He included an American flag as well.

The commenters also pointed out the apparent error.

“Made in France bruh,” one individual added in the comments.


“That was a gift from France,” a verified account with the name Ana Braga added. “This is why staying in school is important!”

Another verified commenter, David Duhme, wrote, “While I agree that American culture is obviously superior, this was literally made by France.”