Karoline Leavitt insists Statue of Liberty won't be returned to France

In a recent exchange between U.S. and French officials, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to comments made by French politician Raphaël Glucksmann regarding the Statue of Liberty. Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament, called for the statue's return to France, arguing that the U.S. no longer embodies the values of freedom and liberty that the statue represents. His remarks came during a convention held by his political movement, Place Publique, where he stated that the Americans should give back the statue as they seemed to despise its significance. During a press briefing, Leavitt firmly rejected Glucksmann's demands, emphasizing that the statue, a gift from France to the United States in 1884, stands as a symbol of the strong ties between the two nations. She highlighted the historical context of World War II, asserting that the French should be grateful to the U.S. for its role in liberating France from Nazi occupation, reminding them that it is only thanks to America that they are not speaking German today. Leavitt made it clear that under the Trump administration, there was zero chance of returning the statue, reinforcing the idea that it is firmly a part of American heritage. The exchange between the U.S. official and the French politician not only reignited the conversation about the statue’s symbolism but also reflected broader geopolitical tensions. Glucksmann accused the U.S. of siding with tyrants and failing to uphold democratic values, although his comments about scientific freedom seemed to reach beyond just the symbolic statue. He pointed towards an ongoing discontent with American politics that resonates with many in Europe, particularly in light of recent events surrounding scientific research funding and national policies that some perceive as authoritarian. Historical context underlines the emotional ties to the statue, as it was gifted to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and represents mutual respect and shared values. Present-day discussions around its significance also indicate the fluctuating relations between the U.S. and its European allies. With the political climate affecting perceptions of loyalty and shared values, the statue has become a focal point in this ongoing dialogue. The exchange concludes amid rising tensions regarding international relations, as figures like Glucksmann express their discontent with the current U.S. administration's actions, while Leavitt defends American values tied to the Statue of Liberty as symbols of freedom and resilience. Both sides continue to engage in a discourse that challenges long-standing notions of friendship and respect, signaling a potential shift in how these iconic symbols are perceived in the context of evolving political landscapes.