The Trump administration has firmly rejected a French politician’s plea to repatriate the Statue of Liberty to France.
“Absolutely not. 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,” stated White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing. This remark likely alludes to the historical American-French alliance during World War II that thwarted Nazi Germany’s advances. “They should be grateful,” she added.
Debating the Symbolic Gesture
This statement follows comments made by French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann at a party convention, where he criticized the Trump administration for deviating from the principles symbolized by the iconic monument. France bestowed the Statue of Liberty to the U.S. in the 1880s as a gesture of friendship and to celebrate American independence from Great Britain, as well as the abolition of slavery.
“To those Americans who have chosen to align with oppressive regimes, to those who have silenced advocates for scientific freedom, we say: ‘Return the Statue of Liberty to us,'” demanded Glucksmann.
In recent times, the Department of Health and Human Services has undergone significant restructuring under the current administration, leading to the removal of numerous scientists and public health experts. Budget cuts have also impacted research grants nationwide, raising concerns about the future of research institutions dependent on these funds.
Expressing France’s willingness to support the scientific community abandoned by the U.S., Glucksmann hinted at a potential migration of American research assets to French soil.
Diplomatic Dilemma
Despite the rhetoric, the practicality of France reclaiming the Statue of Liberty remains uncertain. The statue is the property of the U.S. government, making any transfer subject to diplomatic negotiations and legal complexities. Such a gesture could strain the fragile relations that French President Emmanuel Macron is navigating with President Donald Trump, particularly amidst efforts to mediate conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war.
The standoff underscores the broader diplomatic challenges between the two nations and highlights the symbolic weight of the Statue of Liberty in transatlantic relations.
