Paris, March 17, 2025 – French Euro-deputy Raphaël Glucksmann has demanded the return of the Statue of Liberty, arguing that the United States no longer upholds the values that inspired France to gift the iconic monument in 1886.
“Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” Glucksmann declared at a Place Publique convention, criticizing the U.S. for siding “with tyrants” and dismissing researchers advocating for scientific freedom.
The statue, designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, was presented to the U.S. to commemorate its centennial and symbolize shared democratic ideals. However, Glucksmann argued that recent actions by President Donald Trump, including cuts to scientific research and shifts in foreign policy, undermine those principles.
“If you want to fire your best researchers… we will welcome them in France,” he added, highlighting Trump’s administration’s dismissal of federal workers in health and climate research.
Paris already hosts a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty on the Seine, but Glucksmann’s call signals growing European frustration with U.S. policy.