'Way Better Spies Than China': French Embassy Roasts Trump With Viral Louvre Detective Meme

Last Updated:November 14, 2025, 17:56 IST

The French embassy’s post on social media playfully mocked Trump’s remarks about France’s intelligence capabilities

The photo, taken by an Associated Press photographer, initially sparked speculation online that the man was a detective involved in the Louvre jewellery heist. (AP file photos)

The Embassy of France in the United States fired a witty response to comments made by US President Donald Trump, using the viral image of the “detective" from the recent Louvre jewellery heist.

The embassy’s post on social media playfully mocked Trump’s remarks about France’s intelligence capabilities, stating, “Come on, we’ve got WAY BETTER spies than China," alongside the now-famous image of the sharply dressed man.

The exchange originated during a Fox News interview, where Trump defended the presence of Chinese students at American universities, saying it was “good to have outside countries." Host Laura Ingraham pushed back, claiming Chinese nationals “spy on us" and “steal our intellectual property." Trump then asked, “Do you think the French are better?" Ingraham agreed, but Trump replied, “I’m not so sure. We’ve had a lot of problems with the French."

The clip went viral after journalist Kaitlan Collins shared it on X, but it was the French Embassy’s humorous comeback that grabbed attention.

The embassy’s post featured the “detective" – a man in a striking suit, fedora, and holding an umbrella – who appeared pensive while walking past police at the Louvre gate during the robbery coverage.

The photo, taken on October 19 by an Associated Press photographer, initially sparked speculation on social media that the man was a detective involved in the case. In reality, he was a 15-year-old French student named Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux.

Speaking to the AP earlier this week, Delvaux said he was at the museum with his mother and grandfather when he passed the closed gates, unaware of the robbery. “We wanted to go to the Louvre, but it was closed," he explained. Delvaux only discovered days later that the photo had gone viral.

The Louvre heist itself involved a four-member gang who, in just seven minutes, stole jewellery worth an estimated $102 million before fleeing on scooters.

Delvaux, who has adopted a style inspired by fictional detectives, said he liked to dress “chic" and had no connection to the crime.

(With inputs from agencies)

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