French Lawmaker Calls for Return of Statue of Liberty, Citing U.S. Departure from Founding Values

Raphaël Glucksmann

In a bold and provocative statement, French legislator Raphaël Glucksmann has called for the United States to return the Statue of Liberty to France, arguing that the iconic symbol no longer aligns with the principles it was meant to represent. The statue, a gift from France to the U.S. in 1886, has long stood as a universal emblem of freedom, democracy, and hope. However, Glucksmann contends that America’s current trajectory has strayed too far from these ideals.

Statue of Liberty

“The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people to the American people, a symbol of shared values and aspirations,” Glucksmann declared. “But today, it is clear that the United States no longer embodies the principles of liberty, equality, and justice that Lady Liberty was meant to uphold. It is time for her to come home.”

Glucksmann’s remarks have sparked a heated debate on both sides of the Atlantic. Critics have dismissed his comments as political grandstanding, while others have echoed his concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and social justice in the U.S. The statue, which has welcomed millions of immigrants to New York Harbor, remains a powerful symbol of America’s historical identity as a nation of immigrants and a beacon of freedom.

The U.S. government has yet to formally respond to Glucksmann’s demand, but the proposal has already ignited a wave of reactions on social media, with many Americans defending their country’s commitment to its founding principles. Meanwhile, some have used the moment to reflect on the challenges facing democracy in an increasingly polarized world.

Whether or not the Statue of Liberty remains in New York Harbor, Glucksmann’s call has reignited a global conversation about the meaning of liberty and the responsibilities that come with it. As one Twitter user quipped, “Lady Liberty isn’t going anywhere—but maybe her message needs a revival.”