A French member of the European Parliament stated on Sunday, March 16, that France should reclaim the Statue of Liberty, arguing that the United States no longer embodies the principles that inspired France to present the statue. Raphaël Glucksmann, a centre-left politician, made this remark during a convention for his Place Publique movement.
He addressed the Americans who have aligned themselves with oppressive regimes and those who have dismissed researchers advocating for scientific freedom, saying, “Return the Statue of Liberty to us.” His supporters responded with enthusiasm as he continued, “We gifted it to you, but it seems you hold it in contempt. Therefore, it would be better suited here at home.”
The Statue of Liberty was inaugurated in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence, gifted by the French people. It was created by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. A smaller replica of the statue is located on an island in the Seine River in Paris.
Glucksmann, a vocal supporter of Ukraine, has been critical of former President Donald Trump’s drastic shift in U.S. policy regarding the conflict. He also condemned Trump’s budget cuts to U.S. research institutions, which have led the French government to initiate efforts to attract some of these researchers to France.
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He further stated, “The second message we want to convey to Americans is: ‘If you choose to dismiss your top researchers, if you decide to let go of those who have contributed to your nation’s status as a global leader through their freedom, innovation, and critical thinking, then we will gladly welcome them here.'” Since Trump resumed office in January, his administration has reduced federal research funding and attempted to lay off numerous federal employees involved in health and climate research.
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