People stunned as French politician claims at Place Publique convention that the U.S. should return the Statue of Liberty after 140 year.
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic American landmark. However, French politician Raphael Glucksmann is now demanding its return to France.
Despite its strong association with New York, the statue was originally a French gift. A smaller sister statue still stands in Paris.
The origins of the Statue of Liberty
The idea for the statue emerged in 1865. French political thinker Edouard de Laboulaye proposed it to honor America’s independence.
He also sought to celebrate the friendship between France and the United States.
French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi designed the statue. It was completed and shipped to the U.S. on June 17, 1885.
In 1886, it was installed on Bedloe’s Island, where it remains today.
Raphael Glucksmann calls for the Statue’s return amid rising tensions
Glucksmann, a center-left politician, recently made a bold statement. He argued that America no longer values the ideals the statue represents.
Speaking at a Place Publique convention, he said: “We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with tyrants: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty.’”
“We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.”
Social media
The shocking information that Raphael Glucksmann called for the Statue’s return to France amid political tensions between the U.S. and France left many stunned.
While many argued that the Statue of Liberty has long been a U.S. symbol, others suggested that moving it from the U.S. to France is unrealistic.
One person said: Can you imagine the dismantling of that or however it was transported here. That’s one of those things, if it happens, the world will stop to watch.
A second wrote: You can have it but we’re charging tariffs for you to take it back. I’m just saying
While a third commented: Ummm you have got to be kidding…something so petty
Someone else said: Possession 9/10 of the law it was a gift so legally they can’t take it back.
Another added: Come get it.
This is the level of petty I aspire to be. Someone said.
Political Tensions Between the U.S. and France
Glucksmann’s comments come during heightened tensions between the two nations.
President Donald Trump recently imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. In response, the European Commission announced tariffs on American products.
Trump then escalated the situation. He threatened a 200% tariff on wines, champagne, and other European alcoholic beverages.
Glucksmann Criticizes U.S. Policies
Beyond trade issues, Glucksmann also condemned Trump’s foreign policy. He opposed Trump’s decision to cut military aid to Ukraine. He also criticized the U.S. administration for slashing federal research funding.
The French politician extended an invitation to affected researchers. He suggested France could provide opportunities for those who lost their jobs.
“If you want to fire your best researchers, then we’re going to welcome them”, he stated.
While the Statue of Liberty remains in New York, the political climate may fuel more debates over its symbolic meaning.