The White House has firmly rejected a proposal by French politician Raphaël Glucksmann to return the Statue of Liberty to France. Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament representing the center-left Place Publique party, suggested that the United States no longer embodies the values symbolized by the statue, prompting his call for its return.
In a recent speech, Glucksmann criticized the U.S. for aligning with authoritarian regimes and dismissing researchers advocating for scientific freedom. He stated, “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So, it will be just fine here at home.”
Responding to these remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled Glucksmann as a “low-level” politician and emphasized the enduring alliance between the U.S. and France. She remarked, “It’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful to our great country.”
The Statue of Liberty, designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was gifted to the United States in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of American independence and as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Standing at 305 feet tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, it has become an iconic representation of American ideals.
Glucksmann’s comments reflect broader European concerns regarding recent U.S. policies. However, his stance has not received official backing from the French government. French President Emmanuel Macron’s administration continues to emphasize diplomatic engagement with the U.S., despite policy disagreements, particularly over trade tariffs and military aid to Ukraine.
The White House’s swift dismissal of Glucksmann’s suggestion underscores the administration’s position on maintaining the statue as a cherished national monument. Leavitt’s reference to historical alliances highlights the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, suggesting that such symbolic gestures are unlikely to affect the longstanding relationship.
Sources:
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