The Statue of Liberty, created by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and constructed by Gustave Eiffel, was presented to the United States to celebrate the centennial of American independence. Since its unveiling in 1886, it has served as a powerful symbol of freedom and a guiding light for immigrants in search of a better future.
Yesterday French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has called on the United States to return the Statue of Liberty to France.
Asserting that recent policy changes under President Donald Trump are at odds with the core values that the monument embodies, French MEP Raphael Glucksmann, the son of late philosopher Andre Glucksmann, voiced his criticism of Trump’s policies, particularly his attempts to surrender Ukraine to Russia, and accused Americans of “aligning with tyrants” during a convention of his Place Publique party yesterday.
He addressed the enthusiastic audience, stating, “We will convey to those Americans who have aligned themselves with tyrants, to those who dismissed researchers for advocating for scientific freedom: Return to us 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,” French lawmaker said.
His comments came amidst growing concerns about the future of European security and deterioration of democracy in America, which have been amplified during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Ever since assuming office in January, 2025, Trump has aggressively attempted to dismantle US government agencies in addition to implementing draconian measures against immigration and halting foreign aid programs that don’t align with his personal ‘America First’ agenda.
Trump’s executive orders have also aimed at restricting federal funding for climate research and gender studies.
“The next point we wish to convey to the American people is this: Should you choose to dismiss your most talented researchers—those individuals whose freedom, innovative spirit, and inquisitive nature have contributed to establishing your nation as the preeminent global power—we will gladly embrace them,” Glucksmann added.
Glucksmann has also expressed criticism towards European Union leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron for an “inadequate” military and economic support for Ukraine in it’s fight against Russian invasion, and condemned far-right leaders in France, calling them a “fan club” for Trump and Musk.
Today, at the press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the United States would “absolutely not” return the Statue of Liberty to France.
“It’s only because of the United State of America that the French aren’t speaking German right now. They should be very grateful to our great country,” she declared.