French Politician Suggests U.S. Return Statue of Liberty in Rebuke of Trump’s Leadership
A prominent French politician ignited a transatlantic debate this week, suggesting the United States return the Statue of Liberty to France, a symbolic gesture aimed at criticizing the leadership of former President Donald Trump. Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament representing France, voiced his discontent during a convention of his Place Publique movement. His remarks, widely reported by French media outlet France 24, immediately sparked controversy and drew a sharp response from the Trump administration.
Glucksmann’s comments were laden with symbolism, referencing the historical significance of the Statue of Liberty as a gift from France to the United States following the Civil War. The statue has long stood as an iconic representation of democracy, freedom, and the welcoming spirit of the United States, particularly for immigrants seeking refuge and opportunity.
"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," Glucksmann declared. "We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home."
Glucksmann’s critique alluded to several controversial aspects of Trump’s presidency. He specifically cited instances where researchers were allegedly dismissed for advocating for scientific freedom. This resonated with concerns raised by many about the Trump administration’s approach to science and its perceived disregard for evidence-based policymaking.
Furthermore, Glucksmann’s broader statement about "Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants" suggested a deeper concern about the direction of American politics under Trump. This could be interpreted as a reference to Trump’s perceived authoritarian tendencies, his rhetoric that critics viewed as divisive, and his foreign policy decisions that strained relationships with traditional allies.
The suggestion of returning the Statue of Liberty was not intended as a literal, legally binding proposal. It was a highly symbolic gesture designed to express profound disappointment and disapproval of the Trump administration’s policies and its perceived erosion of democratic values.
The White House swiftly responded to Glucksmann’s remarks. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the idea outright during a press briefing, stating, "Absolutely not." Leavitt also offered a pointed retort, saying, "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. So they should be very grateful to our great country."
Leavitt’s response invoked historical events, specifically the role of the United States in the World Wars, to underscore the importance of the U.S.-France alliance. Her statement was interpreted by some as a combative defense of American interests and a rejection of what she perceived as unwarranted criticism from a foreign politician.
The exchange between Glucksmann and Leavitt highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between the United States and Europe. While the two regions share a long history of cooperation and common values, disagreements over policy, trade, and international relations are not uncommon.
Glucksmann, a center-left politician affiliated with the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, also addressed Trump’s economic policies in his statement. He alluded to the Trump administration’s federal workforce reductions, which resulted in the axing of over 100,000 workers and cuts in funding to various agencies.
"The second thing we’re going to say to the Americans is: 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 declared.
This statement suggested that Europe would be open to welcoming scientists, researchers, and other professionals who felt stifled or undervalued in the United States under the Trump administration. It was a subtle but pointed critique of the perceived anti-intellectualism and devaluation of scientific expertise within certain segments of American society.
Beyond the workforce reductions, Glucksmann’s critique can also be viewed within the context of broader tensions between the Trump administration and the European Union. Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Europe sparked a trade war, with the EU announcing retaliatory tariffs on billions of dollars worth of U.S. exports.
Furthermore, disagreements over foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia, also contributed to strained relations. After a contentious meeting involving Trump, then-Vice President Mike Pence, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, many European leaders voiced their support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The suggestion of returning the Statue of Liberty, while largely symbolic, encapsulates the deep-seated concerns and frustrations felt by some European politicians regarding the direction of the United States under Trump’s leadership. It serves as a reminder that the relationship between the United States and its allies is constantly evolving and requires open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to democratic values.
The incident also reveals how powerful symbols can be used to express political dissent and spark broader debates about national identity, international relations, and the values that underpin democratic societies. The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and opportunity, became a focal point in a transatlantic exchange about the future of democracy and the responsibility of nations to uphold its principles.
