French politician wants America to return Statue of Liberty

French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann has urged the United States to return the Statue of Liberty, asserting that recent U.S. actions are at odds with the values represented by the iconic monument. Speaking at an event for his center-left party Place Publique, Glucksmann criticized President Donald Trump’s administration for aligning with authoritarian governments and ignoring researchers advocating for scientific independence. 

“We will inform the Americans who have chosen to support tyrants and have disregarded researchers fighting for scientific liberty: ‘Return the Statue of Liberty,’” Glucksmann stated to a receptive crowd. “We gifted it to you, but it seems you now disregard its significance. It would be better off back home.” 

The Statue of Liberty, created by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, was inaugurated in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, as a centennial present celebrating the American Declaration of Independence. A smaller version can be found on the Seine River in Paris.

A staunch supporter of Ukraine, Glucksmann has openly criticized President Trump’s changes in policy regarding the conflict. He also denounced the administration's cuts to research funding, which has prompted the French government to initiate efforts to attract affected scientists to France.
 

“Moreover, we tell the Americans: if you decide to disregard your top researchers—those whose freedom, innovation, and critical thinking have driven your nation to a position of global prominence—we are prepared to welcome them,” Glucksmann continued. 

Since President Trump returned to the White House in January, his administration has lowered federal funding for research and aimed to dismiss numerous federal employees working in the health and climate sectors.