White House Responds to French MEP’s Call to Return Statue of Liberty Amid U.S.-France Tensions (video)

Washington, March 17, 2025 – The White House press secretary issued a sharp retort to a provocative suggestion by French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Raphaël Glucksmann, who called for the United States to return the Statue of Liberty to France. The exchange, highlighted on X through post 1901691801360290230, underscores ongoing diplomatic friction between the two nations under President Donald Trump’s administration.

المتحدثة باسم البيت الأبيض حول دعوة أحد النواب الفرنسيين بالبرلمان الفرنسي إعادة تمثال الحرية لفرنسا :

"على هذا النائب غير المعروف أن يتذكر أنه بسبب الولايات المتحدة فقط، الفرنسيون لا يتحدثون الألمانية الآن". pic.twitter.com/u3Ayx63vfV — ??محمد|MFU (@mfu46) March 17, 2025

Glucksmann’s Provocative Proposal

On March 16, 2025, Glucksmann, a member of the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, made headlines during a debate by suggesting that the U.S. should send back the Statue of Liberty—a gift from France unveiled in New York in 1886. According to reports by Agence France-Presse and France24, Glucksmann argued that the statue, symbolizing freedom and democracy, no longer aligns with American values under Trump’s leadership. He cited Trump’s decision to pause aid to Ukraine, cuts to federal research funding, and perceived alignment with authoritarian figures as reasons for his call, framing it as a symbolic critique of U.S. policy shifts.

The remark, initially made in a party convention speech and widely shared on X, sparked global attention, with some users debating its feasibility and others viewing it as a rhetorical jab at U.S.-France relations.

White House’s Fiery Response

In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a statement reported on X on March 17, 2025, dismissed Glucksmann as a “little-known politician” and delivered a pointed historical rebuttal: “This MEP should remember that it’s only because of the United States that the French aren’t speaking German today.” The comment references America’s pivotal role in liberating France from Nazi occupation during World War II, particularly through the D-Day invasion of 1944, a cornerstone of Franco-American alliance that ensured France’s freedom from German control.

Leavitt’s remarks, shared via post 1901691801360290230, have amplified the exchange on social media, with users like @USPoliticsNow praising the retort’s historical grounding, while others, such as @EuroDiploWatch, criticized it as unnecessarily confrontational.

Historical and Diplomatic Context

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to celebrate the centennial of American independence, stands as a global symbol of liberty. However, Glucksmann’s suggestion reignited discussions about its symbolic significance, especially amid Trump’s policies—such as travel restrictions on 43 countries announced March 15, 2025, and tariff threats against European goods—that have strained transatlantic ties. France, a NATO ally, has faced U.S. pressure over defense spending, while Trump’s overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reported March 12, have further complicated relations.

The White House’s invocation of World War II highlights a historical debt France owes to the U.S., but it also risks escalating tensions with Paris, where President Emmanuel Macron has sought to maintain dialogue despite disagreements. Posts on X suggest the exchange could deepen divisions, with some users like @FranceDiplo arguing it distracts from cooperation on global challenges like Ukraine.

Feasibility and Implications

Returning the Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is logistically and symbolically improbable. The structure, weighing 225 tons and standing 305 feet tall, is a national landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site. Glucksmann’s call, widely seen as rhetorical, has nonetheless sparked debate on X about U.S.-France relations, with @StatueLibertyFan questioning its practicality while acknowledging its political intent.

As of 11:50 AM PDT today, neither the U.S. nor France has indicated any formal action on the statue, but the exchange highlights broader diplomatic strains. Trump’s administration has not signaled willingness to entertain the proposal, and Macron’s office has remained silent, focusing instead on NATO commitments and European security.

A Balanced Perspective

While Glucksmann’s suggestion carries symbolic weight, it lacks legal or practical grounding. The White House’s response, rooted in historical gratitude, defends U.S. contributions to French liberation but risks alienating an ally at a time of global uncertainty. Both nations must navigate these tensions carefully, ensuring their partnership endures amidst differing political visions.