French lawmaker Raphaël Glucksmann said in a public speech that the United States should return the Statue of Liberty to France in protest of Trump administration policies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected the idea, saying absolutely not.
A French lawmaker made headlines Sunday after suggesting that the United States should return the Statue of Liberty to France. The remark was seen as a response to policies under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
“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,'” said Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament, during a public speech in France.
Symbol of Freedom Draws Political Attention
The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France to the United States after the Civil War, has long stood as a symbol of democracy and freedom. Glucksmann criticized the current U.S. administration, claiming the country’s actions no longer represent those values.
“We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home,” he added during the convention of his Place Publique political group, according to French media reports.
White House Pushes Back on Statue of Liberty Demand
When asked at a press briefing if the U.S. would consider returning the statue, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was quick to reject the idea.
“Absolutely not,” she said. “My advice to that unnamed, low-level French politician would be to remind them that it’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful to our great country.”
French Lawmaker Offers Jobs to Fired American Workers
In addition to his remarks about the statue, Glucksmann also responded to mass federal layoffs ordered by the Trump administration. He offered support to American researchers and professionals who lost their jobs.
“The second thing we’re going to say to the Americans is: ‘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,'” Glucksmann said.
Mass Layoffs Trigger Criticism
President Trump’s administration has cut over 100,000 federal jobs as part of workforce reductions. Several agencies also saw funding slashed under the new administration’s policies.
While these cuts were promoted as cost-saving measures, critics both in the U.S. and abroad have voiced concern about their long-term impact on innovation, public service, and global cooperation.
Federal Court Orders Reinstatement of Workers
On Thursday, a panel of federal judges ordered the Trump administration to reinstate tens of thousands of those laid-off workers. However, the White House signaled plans to challenge the ruling.
“We believe our reforms are necessary to streamline government operations and remove inefficiencies,” Leavitt said. “We will review the court’s order but continue to stand by our restructuring goals.”
Trade Tensions and Foreign Policy Disagreements Add Fuel
The comments from the French lawmaker come at a time of growing tensions between the U.S. and Europe. Trump’s recent decisions on trade and foreign policy have strained relationships with several European leaders.
Last week, the European Union announced new counter-tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs. These economic moves have raised fears of a growing trade dispute between the two allies.
Mixed Signals on Global Diplomacy
During a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy by shifting U.S. messaging on the conflict in Eastern Europe. While previous administrations had firmly supported Ukraine, this meeting left European leaders uncertain about the future of that support.
In response, several EU leaders restated their commitment to Ukraine’s defense and called for unity among allies.
Political Fallout on Both Sides
Back in Washington, the political debate over layoffs, trade policies, and foreign relations continues. Supporters of Trump’s approach say he is putting American interests first and challenging outdated systems. Opponents argue his leadership is isolating the U.S. from its allies and weakening democratic values.
As the conversation about national identity and international partnerships evolves, symbolic gestures like Glucksmann’s Statue of Liberty remark reflect deeper divisions about how the world views American leadership.
What’s Next?
While the statue will not be going anywhere, the political meaning behind it remains part of an ongoing international debate. Whether it’s about public monuments or policies, leaders from both sides of the Atlantic are watching closely how the next chapters unfold.
Source: The Irish Times
