US Dismisses French Politician's Demand for Statue of Liberty's Return

Synopsis

The U.S. firmly rejects French politician Raphael Glucksmann's call for the return of the Statue of Liberty, labeling his comments as politically motivated. The White House's response emphasizes gratitude for American sacrifices during WWII.

Key Takeaways

U.S. rejects French politician's proposal.
White House brands Glucksmann's comments as low-level.
Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom and democracy.
Glucksmann critiques Trump’s policies.
Political statement viewed as symbolic, not literal.

Washington, March 18 (NationPress) The United States has categorically dismissed a proposal made by French politician Raphael Glucksmann suggesting that the Statue of Liberty be returned to France, branding his comments as unfounded and politically driven.

Glucksmann, who represents a centre-left political stance, recently claimed that France ought to reclaim the renowned statue, asserting that the U.S. no longer embodies the principles that inspired France to present the monument. His statements were perceived as a direct critique of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, especially concerning scientific freedom and international relations.

“Return the Statue of Liberty to us… We are going to inform the Americans, who have opted to align with tyrants and dismissed researchers advocating for scientific freedom -- ‘Return the Statue of Liberty,’” Glucksmann expressed.

“We offered it to you as a gift, but it seems you do not value it. Therefore, it will be perfectly fine right here at home.”

The White House reacted sharply to the statement. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the request entirely, mocking Glucksmann's political influence.

“Absolutely not. And my advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remember that it’s only due to the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should express their gratitude to our great nation,” she stated.

The Statue of Liberty was unveiled in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, to celebrate the centenary of the American Declaration of Independence. Designed by French artist Auguste Bartholdi, it was a gift from the people of France to the United States, symbolizing shared values of freedom and democracy.

Although Paris possesses a smaller replica of the statue located on an island in the Seine River, Glucksmann's comments were mainly viewed as a symbolic political gesture rather than a serious request for the statue's return.

A vocal critic of Trump, Glucksmann has vehemently opposed the U.S. President's foreign policy shifts, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine.

He has also denounced far-right leaders in France, accusing them of being part of a “fan club” for Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.