A French politician made headlines by demanding the United States return the Statue of Liberty. He claims America no longer stands for freedom. The White House fired back, saying France should be grateful to America for winning World War II. New Yorkers aren’t buying the Frenchman’s argument either.
The statue was a gift from France in 1886 to celebrate America’s love of liberty. But Raphael Glucksmann, a European lawmaker, says America has “despised” those values. He pointed to recent decisions by President Trump’s administration, like clashes over Ukraine aid and tensions with allies. The White House press secretary laughed off his demand, reminding France that U.S. soldiers saved them from Nazi rule.
France owes America a lot. In World War II, American troops stormed Normandy beaches to free France from Germany. Without America’s help, the French might still be under foreign control. The Statue of Liberty was built to honor America’s founding ideals. It’s a warning to dictators, not a bargaining chip for foreign politicians.
New Yorkers say the statue is here to stay. Locals called it an “icon” and part of the city’s identity. One man said, “How they gonna take it back? That just sounds like a lot.” Others admit America isn’t perfect but argue the statue represents hope, not politics.
Glucksmann later backtracked, claiming his demand was a “wake-up call,” not a serious request. Critics say this is just European grandstanding. France already has a smaller copy of Lady Liberty in Paris. The original belongs to America, paid for by both nations and maintained here for over a century.
The Statue of Liberty is U.S. property, protected by international law. UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage Site, but France can’t reclaim it. The Trump administration made clear it won’t entertain such nonsense. Meanwhile, Canadian cities are removing American flags in protest of U.S. policies.
Some say America’s actions under Trump have strained alliances. But supporters argue standing strong against foreign threats is true leadership. The statue’s broken chains and torch remind the world freedom isn’t free. Taking it down would only please America’s enemies.
Lady Liberty isn’t going anywhere. She’s a symbol of resilience, built by immigrants for immigrants. Letting France take her would betray the millions who found hope in her shadow. America’s light still shines bright, no matter what critics overseas claim.
