White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a sharply worded rejection to a French politician’s demand for the U.S. to return the Statue of Liberty, calling the request absurd and highlighting America’s historical role in protecting France. When asked about the proposal during a press briefing, Leavitt stated, “Absolutely not,” and advised Raphaël Glucksmann, the European Parliament member who made the request, to remember that “it’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now” — a reference to U.S. military efforts in World War II.
Glucksmann, part of France’s center-left political movement, argued that the U.S. under President Donald Trump had abandoned the values of freedom and democracy symbolized by the statue. He criticized Trump’s alignment with authoritarian leaders and cuts to scientific research funding, declaring, “We gave to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it”.
The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France in 1886 to commemorate American independence, has long stood as a symbol of bilateral friendship. Leavitt countered Glucksmann’s remarks by emphasizing America’s role in defending France during WWII and the Revolutionary War, when French support helped secure U.S. independence.
The exchange reflects escalating tensions between the U.S. and European allies over Trump’s foreign policy decisions, including his criticism of Ukraine’s leadership and reduced support for international institutions. Glucksmann’s call also referenced Trump’s dismissal of thousands of researchers, suggesting France would welcome those displaced by U.S. policy changes.
Leavitt’s rebuke, widely shared on conservative media, underscored the administration’s assertive stance against perceived foreign ingratitude, framing American global leadership as indispensable.
