Glucksmann’s Call to Return the Statue of Liberty
Raphael Glucksmann, a member of France’s center-left Place Publique party, called on the United States to return the Statue of Liberty. He accused the U.S. of aligning itself with “tyrants” and criticized its current stance. Newsweek reached out to the White House for a response
“Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” he said, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP). “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.'” He added: “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So, it will be just fine here at home.”
This criticism of the U.S. was part of a broader critique of far-right leaders, especially in France, who were accused of being a “fan club” for Trump and his billionaire ally, Elon Musk.
9. No one, of course, will come and steal the Statue of Liberty.
— Raphael Glucksmann (@rglucks1) March 17, 2025
The statue is yours. But what it embodies belongs to everyone.
And if the free world no longer interests your government, then we will take up the torch, here in Europe.
Historical Significance of the Statue
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States by France in 1884 to celebrate the alliance between the two nations. It was shipped in pieces aboard the French Navy vessel Isère and arrived in 1885, where it was warmly received. The statue was fully assembled and completed in 1886, becoming a lasting symbol of freedom and an iconic representation of the United States.
Glucksmann’s Broader Criticism
In his remarks, Glucksmann also addressed the U.S.’s treatment of its researchers. He stated, “If you want to fire your best researchers, the people who, through their freedom, innovation, and curiosity, made your country a global leader, then we will welcome them.” His comments were part of a broader critique of far-right leaders, particularly in France, whom he accused of being a “fan club” for Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
