Glucksmann demands US return Statue of Liberty amid rising tensions
- French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann criticized the US administration for current policy changes that he believes contradict the values symbolized by the Statue of Liberty.
- During the rally, Glucksmann suggested that the US should return the Statue of Liberty, claiming Americans no longer respect its significance.
- His statements reflect a wider tension in diplomatic relations between France and the US, with calls to reconsider alliances and political actions.
In a political rally held on March 16, 2025, in Paris, French Member of the European Parliament Raphaël Glucksmann expressed strong discontent with the current policies of the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump. He called for the return of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the US in 1886, stating that the statue no longer represents the values of freedom and democracy due to recent radical shifts in US policy. Glucksmann criticized the American administration for siding with oppressive regimes and for dismissing researchers advocating for scientific freedom, which he believes undermines the very essence of the monument. He declared that since the Americans apparently despise the symbol of liberty, France would welcome it back with open arms. Additionally, Glucksmann aims to leverage this political moment to push for a united front against alternative right-wing influences, whom he described as supporters of Trump. Despite the statements being highly charged, there was no immediate response from the Trump administration regarding Glucksmann's demands. This incident illustrates the growing tensions in transatlantic relationships and highlights a rift in perception regarding freedom and governance.