A French Member of the European Parliament has sharply criticized the United States under President Donald Trump and called for the return of the Statue of Liberty, which France had gifted to America.
Speaking to supporters of his center-left Place Publique party on Sunday, Raphael Glucksmann said, “We’re going to tell the Americans who have chosen to side with tyrants, who fired researchers demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty.’”
He continued, “We gave it to you as a gift, but clearly, you despise it. So, it will be just fine here at home,” referring to the iconic landmark dedicated in New York Harbor in 1886 to celebrate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence, drawing applause from the crowd.
Glucksmann also accused America of disrespecting the Statue of Liberty, which was presented by the French people.
The MEP also addressed U.S.-based scientists affected by President Trump’s policies, specifically the cuts to federally funded research programs under initiatives led by figures like billionaire Elon Musk.
“If you want to fire your best researchers—those who helped make your country the world’s leading power through their freedom, innovation, and pursuit of knowledge—then we’ll welcome them here,” Glucksmann declared.
The Statue of Liberty was unveiled in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, as a gift from the French to America, designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence.
