In a fiery exchange over national values and historical legacies, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has sharply rebuked French politician Raphaël Glucksmann, who recently called for the Statue of Liberty to be returned to France. The incident has sparked intense discussions about the symbolism of the iconic statue, which stands as a beacon of freedom and democracy in New York Harbor.
During a speech on March 16, 2025, Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and part of France's center-left Place Publique party, expressed his discontent with the current American political climate. He remarked, "Give us back the Statue of Liberty," indicating that some Americans had chosen to side with regimes he characterized as tyrannical. The politician's comments stemmed from his perception that the U.S. no longer represents the values embodied by Lady Liberty.
Leavitt wasted no time in addressing Glucksmann’s provocative remarks. Responding on March 17, 2025, she unequivocally stated that President Donald Trump would “absolutely not” return the statue—a gift from France some 140 years ago. "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," Leavitt declared during a press briefing. Her comments were laden with historical significance, reminding critics of the pivotal American role in helping liberate France from Nazi occupation during World War II.
The Statue of Liberty, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, has long symbolized the shared ideals of freedom and democracy between France and the United States. It was given to the U.S. on July 4, 1884, to commemorate the centennial of American independence and to celebrate the ongoing friendship between the two nations. Today, it remains an emblem of hope for millions of immigrants who have sought refuge on American shores.
In his address, Glucksmann lamented the current state of American politics, asserting that some individuals in the nation had turned away from the very principles the statue represents. He stated, "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 remarks reflect a growing concern among some European leaders about the direction of U.S. policy under the Trump administration.
Glucksmann also took the opportunity to critique the administration's recent actions, including the dismissal of government employees as part of its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, which he argued undermines the country’s capacity for innovation and scientific advancement. He expressed that France would gladly welcome displaced scientists and researchers, emphasizing his country’s commitment to preserving the values of freedom and inquiry.
The conversation took another turn when Leavitt responded to the criticism surrounding the Trump administration’s immigration policies and funding cuts that have impacted scientific programs. In her defense of American values, she emphasized the historical contributions of the U.S. to global freedom and security, countering Glucksmann's narrative with a firm reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II.
This heated exchange comes amidst broader discussions about national identity, the values that define nations, and international relationships. Glucksmann's remarks not only showcase the complexities of U.S.-European relations but also reflect underlying tensions about how history and present-day politics intersect.
As the political landscape evolves, the stirrings of discontent and calls for accountability will likely persist, prompting debates about the legacies that countries choose to uphold. The Statue of Liberty remains a powerful symbol in this discussion—one that may very well serve as a litmus test for the values each nation claims to stand for.
In the light of such exchanges, one cannot help but wonder how symbols like the Statue of Liberty will continue to shape the dialogue of shared values, national pride, and international cooperation.
