France is seeking to be the proverbial “Indian giver.” Raphaël Glucksmann, a French politician, has demanded that the statue of liberty be returned to France. The demand is a reaction to the policies of President Trump, specifically with regard to aid for Ukraine. Americans “siding with tyrants” and dismissing researchers for “demanding scientific freedom” were among the things that Glucksmann criticized. In 1884, France first presented the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a token of friendship.
French Politician Demands Return of Liberty Symbol
Raphaël Glucksmann, a prominent member of France’s Place Publique party, has sparked international attention by demanding the United States return the Statue of Liberty to France. His inflammatory comments came during recent remarks where he claimed America no longer upholds the values the iconic monument represents. Glucksmann specifically cited the current administration’s stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict and cuts to research funding as evidence that America has abandoned its commitment to liberty and democratic principles.
The statue, which stands 305 feet tall and weighs approximately 450,000 pounds, was originally presented as a gift from France to America in 1884 and unveiled in 1886. For nearly 140 years, it has served as a powerful symbol of freedom and friendship between the two nations. The copper colossus was designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and was initially assembled in Paris before being dismantled, shipped across the Atlantic, and reassembled on what is now Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
France wants the Statue of Liberty back. They could never return what America gave them:
Approximately 130,000 U.S. service members are buried in American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) cemeteries in France, with the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery being the largest. pic.twitter.com/fi6YRA9cUJ
— Charles V Payne (@cvpayne) March 17, 2025
Criticism of American Foreign Policy
At the heart of Glucksmann’s critique is President Trump’s decision to suspend military funding for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The French politician, who has made support for Ukraine a cornerstone of his 2024 campaign platform, expressed outrage over what he perceives as America abandoning a democratic ally. His comments reflect growing tensions between traditional European allies and the United States over diverging approaches to international conflicts and authoritarian regimes.
“We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty.'” – Raphaël Glucksmann
Glucksmann also took aim at right-wing members of the French Parliament who have expressed support for Trump and Elon Musk, suggesting they are betraying traditional French values. The provocative nature of his statements has stirred considerable debate both in France and abroad about the state of transatlantic relations and shared democratic principles. While France and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations since 1778, disagreements between the nations are not unprecedented.
France wants the Statue of Liberty back?
Come and take it, btches! pic.twitter.com/fv5qyjFHPA
— The Outlaw Patriot (@outlawpatriotva) March 17, 2025
Research Funding Concerns and French Response
Beyond foreign policy, Glucksmann specifically criticized Trump’s cuts to federal funding for American colleges and research institutions. The French politician framed these budget reductions as an attack on academic freedom and scientific inquiry. In response, he highlighted a French initiative designed to attract American researchers affected by the funding cuts, positioning France as a defender of the scientific values he claims America is abandoning.
“If you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, their taste for doubt and research, have made your country the world’s leading power, then we’re going to welcome them.” – Raphaël Glucksmann
Interestingly, while Glucksmann demands the return of the original Statue of Liberty, France already possesses a smaller replica. This miniature version, given to France by the United States in 1889, currently stands on Allée des Cygnes in Paris. Though Glucksmann’s demand appears to be largely rhetorical rather than a formal diplomatic request, it has succeeded in generating significant media attention to his criticisms of American policy direction under the current administration.