White House responds after French politician demands Statue of Liberty back
On Monday, March 17, 2025, the White House reacted to a demand made by a French politician, Raphaël Glucksmann, who asked the United States to return the Statue of Liberty to France.
Speaking at a party event on Sunday, Glucksmann, a member of the Place Publique party, criticized the United States for its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. Glucksmann, who strongly supports Ukraine, said America had changed its position and “has chosen to side with the tyrants,” adding, “Give us back the Statue of Liberty.”
The European Parliament member also mentioned that France would gladly welcome the “best researchers” and talented people who helped make America a world leader if they were ever fired from their jobs.
During a press briefing on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether President Donald Trump would consider returning the statue to France.
“Absolutely not,” Leavitt replied. “The people of France should be very grateful to the United States.”
Leavitt also shared this reminder: “My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now.”
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States by France in 1884 to celebrate the friendship between the two nations.
