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French MEP Raphael Glucksmann has stirred controversy by suggesting that the United States should return the Statue of Liberty to France, arguing that America no longer upholds the values the statue was meant to symbolize.
Glucksmann criticized the U.S. government for siding with "tyrants," suppressing scientific freedom, and implementing restrictive immigration policies. He cited recent cuts to federal research funding and mass deportation efforts as evidence that the ideals of liberty and justice, embodied by the statue, are being disregarded.
“We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it,” Glucksmann declared. “So it will be just fine here at home.”
The Statue of Liberty, designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, was gifted to the U.S. in 1886 as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Its pedestal bears Emma Lazarus’s famed poem, which welcomes immigrants seeking refuge. However, Glucksmann argues that under recent U.S. policies, those words no longer hold true.
The French lawmaker also took aim at Donald Trump’s administration, particularly its stance on scientific research, and suggested that France should welcome U.S. researchers facing job losses. Additionally, he criticized France’s far-right leaders for their admiration of Trump and Elon Musk, whose Tesla brand has faced backlash amid protests.
With information from Euronews.
