Is America betraying the ideals symbolized by the Statue of Liberty? One French politician thinks so, demanding the iconic symbol of freedom be returned to France as he unleashes a blistering attack on President Trump’s policies.
At a glance:
• French center-left politician Raphaël Glucksmann has called for the Statue of Liberty to be returned to France
• Glucksmann claims America “despises” the values the statue represents following Trump’s policies
• The demand comes in response to President Trump’s stance on Ukraine and cuts to research funding
• The Statue of Liberty was gifted by France to America in 1884 and unveiled in 1886
• France already has a smaller replica of the statue, given by the U.S. in 1889
French Politician’s Stunning Demand
A French politician has ignited a storm of controversy by demanding the United States return the Statue of Liberty to France, claiming America no longer upholds the values it symbolizes. Raphaël Glucksmann, of the French center-left Place Publique party, made the statement as part of his criticism of the MAGA movement and of President Trump’s policies.
The request was made in response to President Trump’s decision to suspend military funding for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Glucksmann, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has said that the eastern European nation’s defense should be a priority for the continent.
Liberty Under Attack
Glucksmann didn’t mince words in his criticism of America under President Trump’s leadership. “We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty’,” he said.
The French politician specifically targeted Trump’s decision to cut federal funding to U.S. colleges and research institutions. He suggested that France would welcome American researchers affected by the cuts, saying, “If you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, their taste for doubt and research, have made your country the world’s leading power, then we’re going to welcome them.”
Glucksmann also attacked right-wing French Parliament members for their support of President Trump and Elon Musk.
Symbol of Freedom and Friendship
The Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly one of America’s most iconic symbols, originally gifted by France in 1884 as a token of friendship. Designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, the massive copper structure weighs roughly 450,000 pounds and stands 305 feet tall including its pedestal.
France already has a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty, which was given as a gift from the United States in 1889. This version is currently located on Allée des Cygnes in Paris.
The diplomatic relationship between France and the United States dates back to 1778, though it has weathered occasional storms, such as France’s opposition to the Iraq war in 2003.
