The USA Should Return the Statue of Liberty – A Controversial Appeal from a French Politician

An unexpected turn in Franco-American relations has sparked a global media storm. French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann, leader of the Place Publique party, has made a controversial proposal that has generated a wave of commentary both in Europe and across the Atlantic. The politician is demanding that the United States return the Statue of Liberty to France – one of the most recognizable symbols of American culture and history.

Where did the idea to return the Statue of Liberty come from?

During a recent debate in the European Parliament, Raphaël Glucksmann stated bluntly: "If you despise freedom so much, give us back the Statue of Liberty." These words were spoken in the context of criticism of U.S. foreign policy and the increasingly evident isolationist tendencies in the United States.

The French politician has not hidden his disappointment with the current direction of U.S. foreign policy. In his view, America is drifting further and further away from the values symbolized by the [building="statue-of-liberty"]Statue of Liberty[/building] – freedom, democracy, and openness to the world. Glucksmann expressed particular concern about the growing authoritarianism and isolationism in the U.S.

"For years, the United States has stood on the side of tyrants around the world, supporting regimes that violate human rights. This is the complete opposite of everything the Statue of Liberty represents," argued the MEP in his speech, which was quickly picked up by media outlets worldwide.

 

The History of the Statue of Liberty – A Symbol of Franco-American Friendship

The Statue of Liberty, officially called "Liberty Enlightening the World," was gifted to the American people by the French nation in 1886. It was an initiative of Édouard de Laboulaye, a French lawyer and politician, who wanted to commemorate the Franco-American alliance during the U.S. War of Independence and celebrate the abolition of slavery in the United States.

The monumental statue was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, while its metal framework was engineered by Gustave Eiffel – the same engineer who later designed the famous [building="eiffel-tower"]tower in Paris[/building]. The French financed the construction of the statue, while the Americans were responsible for erecting the pedestal.

For over 130 years, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed immigrants arriving in New York and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States and the values that were meant to define the country – freedom, hospitality, and the opportunity for a better life.

 

Reactions to the French Politician’s Proposal

Glucksmann's words sparked mixed reactions both in France and the United States. Some commentators saw his statement as a provocative yet accurate criticism of current U.S. policies. Others accused him of populism and attempting to gain political capital by tapping into anti-American sentiments that are growing in some European circles.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department refused to provide an official comment on the matter, calling it "an unserious proposal that does not warrant a response at the diplomatic level."

Meanwhile, the topic quickly went viral on social media. The hashtag #StatueOfLibertyReturn trended on Twitter for several days, generating thousands of comments – ranging from humorous suggestions of shipping the Statue of Liberty back to France in pieces to serious discussions about the monument's symbolism and contemporary American values.

French historian Michel Lacroix commented on the issue for the French daily "Le Monde": "This is not just about the physical return of the monument. It is a symbolic act meant to draw attention to how far the United States has strayed from the ideals it once represented."

Many experts emphasize that Glucksmann's proposal is primarily a political gesture intended to spark a discussion about democratic values and the role of the United States on the international stage, rather than an actual demand for the statue’s return.

 

The Symbolism of the Statue of Liberty in Today’s World

The Statue of Liberty is not just a tourist attraction but a powerful symbol of American identity and values. The plaque at the monument's base features the famous sonnet by Emma Lazarus, "The New Colossus," which includes the well-known lines: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

For many critics of modern U.S. policy, particularly regarding immigration, these words now seem bitterly ironic. U.S. immigration policy has become significantly more restrictive in recent years, and efforts to limit the influx of immigrants contrast with the ideals expressed by the Statue of Liberty.

Glucksmann’s proposal fits into the broader context of tensions in transatlantic relations. Europe and the U.S. increasingly find themselves on opposite sides on various issues – from climate policy and international trade to approaches toward multilateralism.

Although it is highly unlikely that the Statue of Liberty will ever return to France, the debate sparked by the French politician encourages reflection on the significance of national symbols and the values they represent.

Are the United States still the "beacon of freedom" for the world? Should Europe take the lead in defending democratic values? These are open questions that will shape global politics in the years to come.