A French politician is demanding the U.S. return the iconic Statue of Liberty to France, claiming America has betrayed the very values it represents under President Trump’s leadership. The outrageous request comes amid escalating tensions between Trump’s America and European leaders who oppose his America First policies. And there’s no way Trump is going to comply.
At a glance:
• French left-wing politician Raphaël Glucksmann demands America return the Statue of Liberty to France
• Glucksmann claims the U.S. “despises” the values the statue represents after Trump cut Ukraine funding
• The Statue of Liberty was gifted to America by France in 1884 as a symbol of friendship
• Glucksmann criticized Trump for “siding with tyrants” and firing researchers “demanding scientific freedom”
• The liberal French politician is using the publicity stunt to boost his pro-Ukraine political campaign
French Politician Demands Return of American Icon
French Member of European Parliament Raphaël Glucksmann is demanding the United States return the Statue of Liberty to France in a politically charged attack on President Trump’s policies. The liberal politician from the center-left Place Publique party claims America no longer deserves the iconic monument because it has abandoned the values the statue represents – a claim that most Americans obviously wouldn’t agree with. Especially after electing Trump in a landslide.
Glucksmann’s provocative demand comes in direct response to President Trump’s decision to cut military funding for Ukraine, a move that has angered European liberals who want American taxpayers to continue financing the foreign conflict. The French politician’s comments reveal growing frustration among European elites about America’s shift toward prioritizing its own interests under Trump’s leadership.
So this isn’t even about America, it’s about Ukraine…
Anti-Trump Rhetoric Fuels Statue Controversy
During his inflammatory speech, Glucksmann declared: “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’.” His comments reflect growing anti-American sentiment among European leftists who oppose Trump’s America First policies.
The 305-foot-tall copper statue was originally gifted to the United States in 1884 as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. Designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, the massive monument weighs approximately 450,000 pounds and has stood as an iconic symbol of American freedom and opportunity for generations of immigrants.
“We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home,” Glucksmann also said.
Political Stunt Reveals Anti-Trump Agenda
Glucksmann specifically targeted President Trump’s recent budget decisions, criticizing cuts to federal funding for U.S. colleges and research institutions. The French politician attempted to position France as an alternative for disgruntled American researchers, stating: “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.”
France already possesses a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty, given to the country by the United States in 1889, located on Allée des Cygnes in Paris. The original statue was initially assembled in Paris, where it was known as the “Lady of the Park” before being disassembled and shipped to America.
Glucksmann’s political stunt comes amid ongoing disagreements between the United States and France over foreign policy, including Trump’s decision to prioritize American interests over endless funding for foreign conflicts. Despite the French politician’s demand gaining attention, there has been no official response from the White House about the statue’s ownership.
