White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made headlines on March 17, 2025, when she contemporaneously dismissed the call from French politician Raphaël Glucksmann to return the Statue of Liberty to France, saying the French should be "very grateful" because they are not "speaking German" due to the sacrifices made by the United States during World War I and World War II.
Leavitt's strong response came during her press briefing, where she addressed questions concerning Glucksmann’s remarks made over the weekend. The member of the European Parliament for France’s Socialists and Democrats group expressed his discontent with the current state of American values, particularly following the Trump administration, 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.’” He went on to assert, “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently, you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.”
Leavitt responded firmly, "Absolutely not, and my advice to...not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful to our great country." Her assertion drew audible gasps from reporters present, indicating the intensity of the exchange. She referenced the historic role of the United States, emphasizing the military interventions during the world wars, which were pivotal for France’s liberation from German occupation.
The Statue of Liberty stands as not just an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy but is also emblematic of the long-standing friendship between the United States and France. This monumental statue was gifted to the United States by France back in 1886 to mark the centenary of America’s Declaration of Independence and symbolize the shared values of liberty and enlightenment.
Historically, the statue is considered one of the crowning achievements of this bilateral alliance. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was constructed and shipped to America piece by piece. The collaborative spirit continued as the French financed the statue itself, whilst American efforts focused on building its pedestal. It was officially unveiled on October 28, 1886, and has since clutched the attention of millions worldwide as it stands on Liberty Island.
Leavitt also referred to the Statue of Liberty’s place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, confirming its standing as U.S. government property and reiterates the shared cultural heritage it embodies. While Glucksmann’s comments were fueled by concerns over the erosion of democratic principles and scientific freedom within America, the U.S. has maintained its position on the importance of protecting such liberties.
The interaction between Leavitt and Glucksmann reveals underlying tensions between U.S. domestic policies and international perceptions. Glucksmann’s approach, laden with historical cross-references, sought to invoke feelings of betrayal on behalf of what the Statue of Liberty symbolizes. Critics have argued across various platforms, including social media, contrasting concerns about current U.S. leadership with historical sentiments of mutual support and friendship shared between the two nations.
The timing of such remarks correlates with broader discussions, both within and outside the U.S., concerning immigration policy and perceptions of American values. Conversations about America’s role on the global stage, especially with view to the contributions made during past world conflicts, have intensified following controversial policies and statements from the current administration.
Leavitt's pushback serves to highlight not just the political wisdom of invoking America's military history but also the underlying facts about the Statue of Liberty’s provenance. It raises questions about the nature of national symbols and their interpretations under differing political landscapes. While the French politician's assertion may appear radical or irreverent to some, it taps deeply rooted sentiments within the complex weave of U.S.-France relations.
At its core, this discourse isn't merely about the statue but transcends to larger philosophical questions on liberty, freedom, and governmental responsibility. The Statue of Liberty, which once united the two countries under common ideals, now finds itself at the intersection of differing perspectives on what those ideals truly mean today.
While the Statue remains firmly planted on its pedestal, the political dialogue surrounding it is likely to continue to evolve as both nations navigate their identities and historical narratives. The way forward may call for clearer communication and recognition of the shared past to navigate future challenges.
