A French politician’s call for the Statue of Liberty to be returned to France has sparked a sharp response from the White House.
Raphaël Glucksmann, a centre-left politician, recently suggested that Lady Liberty should be sent back to Europe, arguing that the United States no longer values the ideals she represents. The iconic statue, which has stood in New York Harbor for nearly 140 years, was originally a gift from France to commemorate the centennial of American independence and the nations’ enduring friendship.
Designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and inspired by the ideas of political thinker and anti-slavery activist Édouard de Laboulaye, the statue was shipped to the U.S. in June 1885 and officially unveiled on Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island) in 1886.
In response to Glucksmann’s remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a firm rebuttal, stating that President Donald Trump would “absolutely not” return the statue to France.
“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,” Leavitt said, referencing the U.S.’s role in liberating France during World War II. “They should be very grateful to our great country.”
The United States joined the Allies in 1941, two years after the outbreak of World War II, playing a crucial role in the defeat of Nazi Germany. France, which had surrendered to German forces in 1940, was later liberated with the support of U.S. and Allied troops.
Glucksmann made his controversial statement while addressing members of his Place Publique political movement. “Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” he declared. “We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with tyrants and those who fired researchers for demanding 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.”
His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and its European allies over the Trump administration’s foreign policy, particularly its stance on the war in Ukraine. Last month, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance had a heated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the administration continues to push for an end to Russia’s invasion. Trump, who has spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, believes his involvement is crucial in preventing further escalation in Eastern Europe.
Despite Glucksmann’s call, the Statue of Liberty remains firmly in place, standing as a symbol of freedom and democracy in New York Harbor.
