French politician Raphaël Glucksmann, a European Parliament member and co-president of a French left-wing party, has caused uproar by calling for the repatriation of the Statue of Liberty from America. He insists that the US no longer espouses the principles the monument embodies.
Addressing a rally on March 16, Glucksmann said to his audience:
“Give us the Statue of Liberty back. We’re going to tell the Americans who have elected to align with the tyrants, to the Americans who pushed researchers out for insisting on scientific freedom. ‘Give us the Statue of Liberty back.’ We presented it as a gift.”
His comment was followed with a storm of applause, lending credence to the displeasure of some of the European leaders towards US politics.
White House Dismisses France’s Demand
The White House responded by quickly dismissing the proposal, highlighting America’s long history of defending France. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a biting comment on March 18:
“My advice to that unidentified 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.”
Her reply referenced the Allied forces led by the United States during World War II that assisted in freeing France from Nazi rule. She failed, however, to recognize France’s significant contribution towards the cause of the American Revolution against British domination.
France’s Legal Status on the Statue
In spite of the political controversy, Unesco made it clear that the Statue of Liberty is still US government property. The monument, created by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, was initially intended as a symbol of Franco-American friendship to celebrate the 100th anniversary of US independence in 1876.
France paid for the construction of the statue, while the US paid for its pedestal. The monument, which was sent in 350 pieces, was finally dedicated on October 28, 1886.
French Government Dances with Distance from Glucksmann
French President Emmanuel Macron has not supported Glucksmann’s call, as he must walk the tightrope of diplomatic dance with the US under Donald Trump’s administration. Macron has pursued collaboration with the US, while also pushing back against some White House initiatives, notably increases in tariffs and US inaction towards Ukraine.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou was more damning, condemning the “brutality” that was heaped on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his recent trip to Washington. He also faulted Trump’s administration for jeopardizing Ukraine’s future by suspending military assistance.
In the meantime, Glucksmann’s party has publicly denounced Trump, accusing him of behaving in an “authoritarian” fashion and empowering Russia’s hand.
Glucksmann Clarifies His Comments
After the fiery argument, Glucksmann clarified that his statement about the statue was metaphorical, intended as “a wake-up call” for Americans.
“No one, of course, will steal the Statue of Liberty. The statue belongs to you. But what it represents is everyone’s,” he posted on social media platform X.
Later, in another post, he assured Americans of Europe’s backing:
We all of Europe adore this country to which we know we owe so much. It will rise again. You will rise again. We are counting on you.”
Regardless of the scandal, the Statue of Liberty continues to stand in New York Harbor, representing the historic connection between France and America, even as tensions remain high over matters of geopolitics.
