Why did french fries get a new name?
Back in 2003, a change was made in the House of Representatives’ cafeteria, which involved swapping out the word “french” in french fries and replacing it with “Freedom.”
The new name “Freedom Fries” was actually penned in a North Carolina diner, and the reasoning behind the renaming was all due to France’s decision not to support the Iraq war.
Although the situation occurred back in 2003, the renaming still remains a topic of conversation today, with many people wondering how the term “Freedom Fries” came to be.
The party of "Freedom Fries" would like you to know that "cancel culture" is a very serious problem.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 4, 2021
Freedom Fries origin revealed
The term Freedom Fries originated in 2003 when the House of Representatives’ changed the name of french fries in their cafeteria as part of a Republican protest at France’s opposition to the war on Iraq.
In early 2003, Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr. sent a letter to Rep. Robert W. Ney with the topic of renaming french fries to “Freedom Fries.”
The idea had come about when Neal Rowland, the owner of a diner in Beaufort, NC, had changed the name of his french fries and french toast in support of President George W. Bush’s war.
Why are french fries called Freedom Fries?
Diner owner, Neal Rowland told Fox News in 2003: “Since the French are backing down, french fries and French everything needs to be banned.”
The new name “Freedom Fries” was implemented in the House of Representatives’ cafeteria on March 11th, 2003 and a plaque was made which read: “***Update*** Now Serving…. In All House Office Buildings… ‘FREEDOM FRIES.’”
Speaking at the news conference in the cafeteria upon the introduction of “Freedom Fries”, Rep. Robert W. Ney said:
“This action today is a small but symbolic effort to show the strong displeasure many on Capitol Hill have with our so-called ally, France.”
