Paris, France – In a bold statement, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Raphaël Glucksmann has called for the United States to return the Statue of Liberty, asserting that recent U.S. actions under President Donald Trump contradict the monument’s symbolic values.
Speaking at a convention for his Place Publique movement, Glucksmann addressed supporters, criticizing the U.S. for aligning with authoritarian regimes and undermining scientific freedom. 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.’ We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it.”
The Statue of Liberty, designed by French sculptor Auguste Barth was gifted to the United States by France in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The monument stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy in New York Harbor.
Glucksmann, known for his staunch support of Ukraine, also criticized the Trump administration’s reduction in funding for research institutions. This call reflects growing concerns among European leaders regarding shifts in U.S. policies and their alignment with democratic values. While the proposition to reclaim the Statue of Liberty is largely symbolic, it underscores the perceived divergence between the historical ideals the statue represents and current U.S. actions.
As of now, there has been no official response from the U.S. government regarding Glucksmann’s remarks.
