A French politician, Raphaël Glucksmann, recently stirred controversy by suggesting that the Statue of Liberty should be returned to France, claiming that the United States no longer deserves the monument gifted to them nearly 140 years ago. Glucksmann, who serves in the European Parliament and co-leads a left-wing party, stated during a speech that some Americans have aligned themselves with “tyrants,” reflecting the discontent triggered by US President Donald Trump’s policies.
He passionately asserted to his audience, “Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” expressing that if Americans truly despise the symbol, it would be happier in France. This provocative statement elicited applause and cheers from his supporters. In response, the White House dismissed Glucksmann’s comments and reminded France of America’s support during the World Wars.
The Statue of Liberty, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is officially US government property, despite its origins as a gesture of friendship between the nations, commemorating the 100th anniversary of American independence. The statue cost considerable investment, with France financing the statue itself and the US covering the pedestal’s expenses. After being shipped in 350 pieces, it was unveiled in New York in 1886.
While Glucksmann might have sparked the discussion, it is unlikely that the French government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, would consider such a drastic move. Macron has been trying to navigate the complexities of US-French relations, balancing cooperation with Trump while opposing certain policies, such as tariff increases.
Glucksmann’s party has been vocal against Trump’s leadership style, branding it as “authoritarian” and accusing him of potentially leading Ukraine to defeat in its conflict with Russia. In his speech, Glucksmann drew on the sentiments of poet Emma Lazarus about the ideal of America as a refuge for the oppressed, lamenting that the nation seems to be straying from its foundational values.
Following Glucksmann’s comments, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly rejected the notion of relinquishing the statue. She reminded France of the significant sacrifices made by the US to liberate them during WWII and insisted that gratitude should flow both ways, acknowledging France’s historical support during the American Revolution.
In summary, while Glucksmann’s remarks have ignited discussions about the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty and broader Franco-American relations, they appear more rooted in political rhetoric than in any realistic proposal for the statue’s relocation.