A French deputy has sparked controversy by demanding the return of the Statue of Liberty from the United States. Raphael Glucksmann, a centre-left politician and staunch defender of Ukraine, made the call during a convention of his Place Publique movement. He accused the US of no longer representing the values that led France to gift the statue over 130 years ago.
Glucksmann’s remarks came as criticism of President Donald Trump’s administration intensified. He specifically targeted Trump’s cuts to federal research funding and efforts to dismiss researchers working on health and climate studies. ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty,’ Glucksmann declared to cheering supporters. ‘We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.’
The Statue of Liberty was unveiled in New York City’s harbour on October 28, 1886, as a gift from the French people to America. Designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, it stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy. A smaller replica of the statue is located in Paris.
Glucksmann also criticized far-right leaders in France for supporting Trump’s policies, calling their actions ’tyranny.’ His comments reflect broader concerns about the direction of US policy under Trump and its impact on international relations. The demand for the Statue of Liberty to be returned has sparked debate both in France and the US. While some view it as a symbolic gesture, others see it as a critique of Trump’s administration and its handling of key issues like research funding and foreign policy.