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A French politician has called for the return of the Statue of Liberty, arguing that the United States no longer upholds the values for which France originally gifted it.
Raphael Glucksmann, a centre-left European lawmaker, made the remarks at a political convention, criticizing America’s stance on global issues. “We gave it as a gift, but apparently, you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home,” he told supporters.
The Statue of Liberty, designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, was gifted by France and unveiled in New York City in 1886 to mark the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. France has a smaller replica in Paris.
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Glucksmann, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, condemned the US administration’s recent policy shifts, particularly regarding Ukraine and cuts to scientific research.
Since Trump’s return to office in January, his government has reduced federal research funding and dismissed health and climate experts.
He added that France is ready to welcome US researchers affected by these cuts, stating, “If you want to fire your best researchers… then we’re going to welcome them.” Meanwhile, the reports suggested that the French government has already launched initiatives to attract these experts to France.
