In a bold move, French officials call for the return of Lady Liberty, the iconic New York Harbor statue symbolizing freedom and democracy. The request from French politicians has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the audacity of such a demand. In response, the Trump White House wasted no time, firing back that France should be grateful for the U.S., which has long stood as a beacon of liberty and ally in times of global conflict. The bold statement comes when relations between the two nations have been marked by occasional tension and a shared history rooted in freedom and mutual support.
During a recent convention of his political party, Place Publique, leftist politician Raphaël Glucksmann demanded that the United States return the Statue of Liberty to France, which gave it to the U.S. in the 1880s.
Glucksmann claimed that some Americans “have chosen to side with the tyrants,” specifically referring to “Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom.” He was referencing a decision by the Trump administration to cut federal funding for U.S. colleges and research institutions, which prompted the French government to initiate an effort to attract some of these institutions to France.
“The second thing we're going to say to the Americans is: 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," he continued.
He also asserted that Lady Liberty would be happier with the French than in the U.S.
“Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” Glucksmann said. “It was our gift to you. But apparently, you despise her. So she will be happy here with us.”
On July 4, 1884, France presented the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a symbol of French-American friendship. Former President Grover Cleveland officially unveiled the statue in New York City on October 28, 1886, marking the centennial of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Glucksmann has strongly supported Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia. He has voiced criticism of Trump for pulling financial aid from a foreign country.
The Trump White House rebuffed the French leader, reminding France that the French are not speaking German right now only because of the United States.
🚨Politicians in France are asking for the Statue of Liberty BACK.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 17, 2025
Karoline Leavitt chose VIOLENCE:
"I would like to remind France that it's only because of the USA that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful to our great country”
WOW. pic.twitter.com/PuG864VYj1