White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt strongly criticized French politician Raphaël Glucksmann for suggesting the Statue of Liberty should return to France. She reminded him that France should appreciate the United States for its role in World War II.
“My advice to this low-level French politician is simple,” Leavitt said during a Monday briefing. “The French don’t speak German today only because of the United States. They should be grateful to our great country.”
French Politician Calls for Statue’s Return
Glucksmann, a European Parliament member from the center-left Place Publique party, made his statement on Sunday. Speaking at a Place Publique event, he accused the United States of supporting “tyrants” and claimed it no longer represents the statue’s values.
“Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” Glucksmann declared, according to Agence France-Presse.
Statue of Liberty’s History and Meaning
France gifted the 100-meter statue to the United States on July 4, 1884, marking the Declaration of Independence’s 108th anniversary. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the copper-clad monument stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. A replica also sits along the Seine River in Paris.
Glucksmann argued that the United States has abandoned the ideals the statue represents. “We gave it to you, but you obviously detest it. It will be fine here at home,” he said. He also invited top researchers, affected by U.S. budget cuts, to move to France.
A History of US-France Relations
France played a crucial role in America’s Revolutionary War victory, but the United States did not return the favor in 1789. Glucksmann, a Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats member, also strongly supports Ukraine.
His remarks have sparked global debate. However, the White House insists the Statue of Liberty will remain in New York.
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