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A French politician has demanded the United States return the Statue of Liberty, claiming America no longer represents the values of freedom and democracy the monument symbolizes. The White House quickly shut down the request, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt bluntly stating, “Absolutely not,” while reminding France that without U.S. intervention in World War II, they “would be speaking German right now” .
came from Raphael Glucksmann, a left-wing member of the European Parliament, during a speech at his party’s convention. He criticized the Trump administration’s policies, including reduced research funding and a shift away from unconditional support for Ukraine, arguing these actions betray the ideals embodied by Lady Liberty. “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it,” Glucksmann declared .
emphasized America’s historical role in defending freedom. Leavitt’s sharp rebuttal highlighted longstanding conservative critiques of European ingratitude toward U.S. sacrifices. Her remarks tapped into a broader sentiment that global allies often take American protection for granted while criticizing its policies .
underscores the irony of the demand. The Statue of Liberty was gifted by France in 1886 to commemorate America’s independence and shared values. Yet, as Leavitt noted, France’s own liberty was preserved twice by American forces in the 20th century—a fact often minimized in modern diplomatic discourse .
fueled the clash. Glucksmann criticized Trump’s America First agenda, including immigration reforms, reduced foreign aid, and cuts to federal research programs. Conservatives argue these policies prioritize U.S. sovereignty and fiscal responsibility, rejecting globalist pressures to fund foreign conflicts or bloated bureaucracies .
lies at the heart of the debate. While progressives frame Trump’s policies as authoritarian, conservatives counter that securing borders, demanding fair burden-sharing from allies, and curbing wasteful spending align with the Statue of Liberty’s original purpose: celebrating self-determination, not open-door globalism .
may flare, but the statue isn’t going anywhere. U.S. law firmly designates it as federal property, and France lacks any legal mechanism to reclaim it. The spat reflects deeper divides over America’s role on the world stage—with Trump’s supporters cheering his rejection of “foreign interference” in U.S. affairs .
: This episode reinforces conservative arguments that America’s critics abroad misunderstand its unique role as a defender of liberty. The Statue of Liberty remains a testament to U.S. ideals—ideals that, from a conservative view, are being upheld through policies prioritizing national strength over international appeasement.
, the White House’s firm stance signals unwavering commitment to American sovereignty. As Leavitt put it, France should focus less on virtue-signaling and more on thanking the U.S. for decades of protection—a message resonating with conservatives tired of European moralizing .
