PARIS (AP) — A call from France for America to return the Statue of Liberty has sparked heated discussions across the Atlantic, following comments from French politician Raphaël Glucksmann. Addressing supporters of his Public Place party convention on March 16, 2025, Glucksmann asserted the United States no longer embodies the values originally represented by the statue, which was bestowed as a gift from France nearly 140 years ago.
"Give us back the Statue of Liberty," Glucksmann exclaimed. He expressed significant concern for what he perceives as America’s retreat from democratic values, stating, "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.’” His passionate rhetoric resounded with applause, as he suggested the statue would find a home back in France, away from what he described as values of disdain.
Responding to Glucksmann's provocative call, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made it unequivocally clear on March 17, 2025, during her daily briefing, stating, "Absolutely not. My advice to… low-level French politician would be to remind them… it’s only because of the United States of America…that the French are not speaking German right now." Her emphasis highlighted the historical support provided by the U.S. to France during both World Wars.
The Statue of Liberty, standing 305 feet tall and weighing 450,000 pounds, not only symbolizes the enduring Franco-American friendship but also serves as a poignant reminder of freedom and democracy. Sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was officially unveiled on October 28, 1886, intended as a celebration of the centennial of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Leavitt's rebuttal resonates against the backdrop of contemporary criticisms facing the Trump administration, particularly over its foreign policies and cuts to research funding, which Glucksmann vehemently condemned. "If you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their innovation, have made your country the world’s leading power, then we’re going to welcome them," he proclaimed, alluding to significant disruptions within U.S. scientific communities.
The exchange also underlines deteriorated diplomatic ties, as the Trump administration’s policies have increasingly drawn criticism from numerous European leaders. Macron's government, treading cautiously, is attempting to navigate through the complex waters shaped by Trump's approach to multilateral relationships, especially concerning Russia's aggressive posturing toward Ukraine.
Glucksmann's remarks resonate with many who feel Trump’s presidency has led to disarray, with rhetoric seen as siding with authoritarian regimes. His assertion references actions taken by the current administration, including suspending military aid to Ukraine, which many view as undermining democracy at the behest of Russian interests.
This dialogue about the Statue of Liberty illuminates broader concerns of American identity and its commitment to the principles of liberty and justice for all. While Glucksmann's proposition may seem far-fetched to some, it has catalyzed reflections on what the statue truly symbolizes today. The U.S. has long celebrated Lady Liberty as the comforting figure for immigrants, epitomized by the words of Emma Lazarus inscribed on the pedestal: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…"
The French perspective, as articulated by Glucksmann, posits the question of whether the value of such freedoms has eroded under current policies. By juxtaposing historical significance with today's political climate, the discussion surrounding the statue continues as more than just about her physical location; it's about the ethical grounds of liberty and the nation's moral compass.
While White House officials assert steadfastly the statue is inherent to the American ethos, Glicksmann's remarks have opened avenues for deliberation on the state of democracy both within the U.S. and worldwide. Perhaps, the conversation about Lady Liberty is less about her potential repatriation to France and more about rekindling the values she was meant to represent and protect.
With the world closely watching, as both nations prepare for the challenges related to international diplomacy and the strife caused by geopolitical conflicts, will the Statue of Liberty stand firm as America’s beacon of hope, or will it evolve as mere nostalgia for ideals once aspired to?
