A French politician has called on the US to return the Statue of Liberty — and he’s not mincing his words.
MEP Raphaël Glucksmann says America no longer deserves the iconic statue after “siding with tyrants” and attacking scientific freedom. The statue, gifted by France in 1884 as a symbol of friendship and shared democratic values, now seems at odds with modern US politics, according to Glucksmann.
“You Despise It – Give It Back”
Speaking at a convention for his Place Publique centre-left movement, Glucksmann didn’t hold back.
“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 said.
“We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it’ll be just fine here at home.”
His comments were a direct jab at the Trump administration’s cuts to US research institutions.
France Offers a Home for Fired US Scientists
Glucksmann went further, saying France would happily welcome the researchers America is driving away.
“If you want to fire your best researchers — the people whose innovation and freedom made your country the world’s leading power — then we’ll welcome them,” he said.
France has already launched a government initiative to attract US researchers, positioning itself as a hub for scientific freedom and innovation.
The Statue’s Legacy
The Statue of Liberty was unveiled in New York in 1886. Its famous plaque reads:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
However, Glucksmann argues that Trump’s policies, including planned mass deportations and travel bans affecting 43 countries, have undermined these values.
US Fires Back
The White House wasn’t impressed.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hit back with a sharp reminder of history:
“It’s only because of the United States of America that the French aren’t speaking German right now. They should be very grateful.”
Ouch.
What Next?
While it’s unlikely the statue will be packing its bags for Paris anytime soon, Glucksmann’s comments have sparked debate on both sides of the Atlantic.
You may also like: Ex-Tory treasurer walks free after £1m VAT fraud and money laundering scandal
