French Politician Says U.S. Should Return Lady Liberty

French Politician Says U.S. Should Return Lady Liberty \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ French politician Raphaël Glucksmann has stirred controversy by suggesting that the U.S. should return the Statue of Liberty, claiming America no longer values its symbolic meaning. The White House dismissed his comments, emphasizing France’s historical debt to the U.S. Meanwhile, tensions between France and the Trump administration continue to rise over foreign policy disagreements.

Statue of Liberty Controversy: Quick Looks

• French Politician’s Bold Claim: Raphaël Glucksmann, a left-wing European Parliament member, says the U.S. no longer deserves Lady Liberty.
• Symbol of Freedom Debate: Glucksmann argues that some Americans have “switched to the side of tyrants.”
• White House Response: Press secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected the idea, citing U.S. efforts in WWII.
• France’s Historical Role: The statue was a French gift in 1886, symbolizing freedom and democracy.
• UNESCO’s Stance: The monument is U.S. government property and listed as a World Heritage Site.
• Political Friction: French officials remain critical of Trump’s foreign policy, particularly on Ukraine.
• U.S.-France Relations: While President Macron seeks diplomacy, his government increasingly opposes Trump’s decisions.
• AP Lawsuit Angle: White House officials face legal scrutiny over alleged press freedom violations.

Deep Look

Glucksmann’s Provocative Demand: “Give Her Back”

A French politician has ignited a diplomatic spat by demanding that the United States return the Statue of Liberty, arguing that America no longer upholds the values it represents. Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and co-leader of the French left-wing party Public Place, made the statement during a speech on Sunday, where he criticized U.S. foreign and domestic policy under President Donald Trump.

Glucksmann’s remarks came as he addressed supporters, accusing some Americans of abandoning democracy and aligning with authoritarianism. His words reflect a broader European frustration with Trump’s policies, particularly regarding international alliances, human rights, and democracy.

“Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” he declared, drawing applause and cheers from the crowd. “It was our gift to you. But apparently you despise her. So she will be happy here with us.”

White House Fires Back: “Be Grateful”

The White House swiftly dismissed Glucksmann’s comments, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt delivering a pointed response on Monday.

“Absolutely not,” Leavitt said when asked whether the U.S. would consider returning the statue. She went further, reminding France of its wartime dependence on America.

“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,” she remarked, a clear reference to the U.S. role in liberating France from Nazi occupation in World War II and its involvement in World War I.

However, Leavitt conveniently ignored the historical debt of gratitude that the United States owes to France. During the American Revolution, France played a pivotal role in securing U.S. independence, providing military aid, naval support, and crucial financial backing against Britain.

Can France Actually Take It Back?

Despite the fiery rhetoric, France cannot legally reclaim the Statue of Liberty.

• The statue is officially U.S. government property and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It was gifted by France in 1886 to commemorate American independence and shared democratic values.
• The monument’s designer, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, originally intended it as a symbol of French-American friendship to mark the centennial of July 4, 1776.
• Construction delays, largely due to the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71), postponed its completion, and it was finally unveiled on October 28, 1886 after being transported to the U.S. in 350 pieces.

So, while Glucksmann’s demand makes headlines, it holds no legal or diplomatic weight.

French-U.S. Relations: A Growing Divide

Glucksmann’s criticism is just the latest sign of tensions between France and the U.S., particularly under Trump’s leadership. While French President Emmanuel Macron has attempted to maintain diplomatic ties, his government has increasingly pushed back against Trump’s policies.

Key areas of disagreement include:

1. Trade Disputes: Trump’s tariff hikes on European goods have angered French officials.
2. Ukraine Policy: French Prime Minister François Bayrou criticized the Trump administration’s treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, particularly the temporary pause in military aid that some argue benefited Russia.
3. Accusations Against Trump: Glucksmann’s party has openly accused Trump of authoritarianism and claimed his policies are handing Ukraine over to Russia.

Statue of Liberty’s Legacy: More Than Just a Monument

In his speech, Glucksmann referenced Emma Lazarus’ famous poem, which is inscribed on the statue’s pedestal. The poem, “The New Colossus,” welcomes immigrants and exiles, describing the statue as a “mighty woman with a torch” offering a home to “huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Glucksmann suggested that these words no longer reflect modern America, citing policies on immigration, democracy, and foreign relations as evidence of a shift away from liberty and justice.

“Today, this land is ceasing to be what it was,” he warned.

AP Lawsuit: White House Faces Legal Scrutiny

The White House’s response to Glucksmann’s remarks also comes amid legal challenges against Trump administration officials. The Associated Press (AP) has sued three administration officials, including Leavitt, on First and Fifth Amendment grounds.

The AP alleges that:

• The White House is retaliating against the news agency over editorial decisions it dislikes.
• The Trump administration issued an executive order requiring the Gulf of Mexico to be referred to as the “Gulf of America,” and AP’s refusal to comply led to punitive actions.

While unrelated to the Statue of Liberty debate, the lawsuit underscores concerns about press freedom under Trump’s leadership—one of the very democratic principles the statue symbolizes.

Conclusion: A Symbolic Fight, Not a Real One

Glucksmann’s call for the Statue of Liberty’s return is a symbolic protest rather than a serious political demand. However, it reflects broader European concerns about America’s shifting values and growing rifts in U.S.-France relations.

While the Statue of Liberty isn’t going anywhere, the debate surrounding it highlights fundamental disagreements over democracy, freedom, and global leadership.

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