In a speech that ricocheted across the Atlantic, French politician Raphaël Glucksmann ignited a fiery debate by demanding the U.S. return the Statue of Liberty—a 139-year-old symbol of Franco-American friendship. The call, framed as a critique of America’s shifting political landscape under President Donald Trump, has drawn sharp rebukes from Washington and sparked discussions about diplomacy, historical legacy, and the evolving meaning of freedom.
The MEP Raphael Glucksmannas said that the US no longer represents the values that led France to offer the statue a gift from the French people to America for the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence in 1886 & now they want back.pic.twitter.com/FFCnJJ1Cad
— Laughing Legends (@LaughingLegend0) March 18, 2025
The Provocation: France’s Symbolic Reclamation
Raphaël Glucksmann’s Critique
Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and co-leader of France’s left-wing Public Place party, accused the U.S. of abandoning the values the statue embodies. During a party convention, he lambasted Trump’s foreign policy decisions, including reduced support for Ukraine and restrictions on scientific research:
Allegations of Tyranny: Glucksmann claimed the U.S. now “sides with tyrants,” referencing Trump’s diplomatic overtures to authoritarian regimes.
Scientific Freedom: He criticized the dismissal of researchers advocating for climate and public health initiatives, urging France to welcome displaced American scientists.
The crowd erupted in applause as he declared, “We gave [the statue] to you as a gift, but you despise it. She’ll be safer here”.
French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann is calling out America's democratic backslide — and he wants Lady Liberty back.
— NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) March 17, 2025
'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… pic.twitter.com/r0VFtemzNF
The White House Strikes Back
Karoline Leavitt’s Blunt Retort
The White House swiftly rejected the demand. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Glucksmann as a “low-level politician” and invoked World War II history:
Historical Grievance: “Without the U.S., France would be speaking German,” Leavitt asserted, highlighting America’s role in liberating Europe from Nazi occupation.
Ownership Clarified: UNESCO confirmed the statue is U.S. property, making repatriation legally implausible.
The exchange underscores rising tensions between European allies and the Trump administration, particularly over Ukraine aid and global leadership.
A Gift With Strings Attached? The Statue’s Contested Legacy
From Concept to Icon
The Statue of Liberty was conceptualized by French anti-slavery activist Édouard de Laboulaye in 1865 to honor the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the friendship between France and America. Designed by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was unveiled in 1886 in New York Harbor, welcoming millions of immigrants to Ellis Island. It has become an international symbol of freedom and democracy, with its likeness used by movements worldwide to advocate for equality and justice.
From Friendship to Fracture
Designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886 to commemorate America’s centennial and celebrate shared democratic ideals. Key historical nuances:
Joint Effort: France funded the statue; the U.S. built its pedestal through grassroots donations.
Immigrant Icon: For generations, it welcomed millions to Ellis Island, symbolizing hope and inclusion.
Yet, Glucksmann argues these ideals are fading: “Liberty belongs to everyone. If America won’t uphold it, Europe must”.
Political Theater or Genuine Grievance?
European Frustrations
The demand reflects broader European unease with Trump’s “America First” policies:
Ukraine Aid Suspension: Glucksmann, a vocal Ukraine supporter, condemned Trump’s hesitation to back Kyiv against Russia.
Research Exodus: France has launched programs to recruit U.S. scientists displaced by funding cuts.
Conservative Mockery: Trump allies dismissed the demand as “petty posturing”.
Public Sentiment: Online debates rage, with some calling the statue a “permanent resident” and others questioning U.S. moral authority.
The Statue’s Unshakeable Foundations
Why Repatriation Is Impossible
Legal Barriers: UNESCO classifies the statue as a U.S. monument, requiring American consent for any transfer.
Logistical Nightmare: At 305 feet tall and 450,000 pounds, dismantling Lady Liberty would be a Herculean feat.
Cultural Entrenchment: Over 3 million annual visitors and its role in American identity make removal politically untenable.
The Contested Legacy: Both Sides of the Story
European Frustrations
Glucksmann’s comments reflect broader European discontent with U.S. policies, particularly Trump’s decision to suspend aid to Ukraine and his administration’s treatment of scientists. France has launched initiatives to attract American researchers affected by funding cuts, highlighting a rift in transatlantic relations.
U.S. Perspectives
In contrast, many in the U.S. view Glucksmann’s demand as political posturing. Conservative circles have ridiculed the idea, emphasizing the statue’s status as a U.S. national monument and a symbol of American values. The White House’s stance underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining its historical symbols and diplomatic relationships.
FAQ
Could France legally reclaim the Statue of Liberty?
No. UNESCO designates it as U.S. property, and no repatriation mechanism exists.
Has the U.S. ever returned a gifted monument?
Rarely. Exchanges like France’s 2021 “Little Lady Liberty” replica are symbolic, not repatriations.
What prompted Glucksmann’s demand?
Frustration with Trump’s Ukraine policy, scientific funding cuts, and alignment with autocrats.
How did the Statue of Liberty become a U.S. symbol?
Immigrants passing Ellis Island in the 19th–20th centuries associated it with opportunity and refuge.
Are there other Statue of Liberty replicas?
Yes. A 30-foot version stands in Paris, gifted by Americans in 1889.
What’s the White House’s stance on European criticism?
Dismissive. Leavitt emphasized U.S. global leadership and historical sacrifices.
Could this impact U.S.-France relations?
Unlikely. Both nations have weathered spats, but strategic alliances remain intact.
