Paris, March 17, 2025 – French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Raphaël Glucksmann has called for the United States to return the Statue of Liberty, arguing that the country no longer upholds the values that originally inspired France to gift the monument.
Speaking at a political convention on Sunday, March 16, the centre-left politician condemned recent US policy shifts under President Donald Trump, particularly regarding international alliances and scientific research.
“Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” Glucksmann declared during the gathering of his Place Publique movement. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, he accused the US of abandoning democratic principles and aligning itself with authoritarian regimes. “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home,” he added.
The Statue of Liberty, designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, was unveiled in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence.
A symbol of freedom and democracy, the statue has long stood as an emblem of the strong historical ties between France and the US.
While Paris has a much smaller replica of the monument on the Seine River, Glucksmann’s remarks have reignited debate about the state of Franco-American relations.
Criticism of Trump’s Policies
Glucksmann, a vocal advocate for Ukraine, has been highly critical of Trump’s foreign policy, particularly the shift in US support for Kyiv. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has altered Washington’s stance on the war in Ukraine, prompting backlash from European allies.
The French MEP accused the administration of siding with “tyrants” and failing to uphold commitments to democratic principles. The politician also lambasted Trump’s approach to science and innovation, pointing to recent funding cuts to federal research institutions.
These budget reductions, which have led to the dismissal of numerous researchers working on health and climate science, have drawn international concern. In response, France has launched initiatives aimed at attracting displaced American researchers.
“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 said.
Backlash Against Far-Right Support for Trump
In addition to criticizing US policies, Glucksmann took aim at far-right figures in France, accusing them of acting as a “fan club” for Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
He warned against what he sees as growing European support for the former US president’s ideology, which he believes threatens democratic values in France and across the EU.
While Glucksmann’s comments have sparked debate, it remains unlikely that the US would entertain any request to return the Statue of Liberty.
The remarks, however, highlight growing tensions between European leaders and the Trump administration over issues ranging from climate policy to global security.
With France heading into its own elections in the coming years, Glucksmann’s speech may also be seen as part of a broader effort to consolidate left-wing opposition to right-wing populism both at home and abroad.
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