Well Dang! French Lawmaker Demands US Return Statue of Liberty

Socialites, Here’s Why a French Politician Wants the Statue of Liberty Back

Socialites, get into this! The drama just crossed the Atlantic. A French lawmaker is not here for how the U.S., especially under Donald Trump’s influence, is moving lately—and now he wants that iconic Statue of Liberty back on French soil.

Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of France’s center-left Place Publique party, didn’t bite his tongue. While speaking at a party convention on Sunday, he called out the U.S. for what he sees as cozying up to “tyrants.” He had smoke for real.

“Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” he said, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). “We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty.’”

Whew!

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Why Glucksmann’s Statement Hits Different in Today’s Political Climate

Europe’s been side-eyeing Donald Trump’s foreign policy, especially when it comes to the Ukraine-Russia war. Glucksmann, a proud Ukraine supporter, ain’t new to calling out world leaders for turning a blind eye.

His callout was more than just shade—it was a symbolic slap. That Statue of Liberty? A whole gift from France back in 1886 as a gesture of freedom and unity. But according to Glucksmann, that spirit of liberty has taken a backseat under Trump’s leadership.

As the war in Ukraine continues to escalate, Trump’s reported stance has rubbed many global leaders the wrong way. Most recently, internal talks about a possible ceasefire had Ukraine excluded from the table—Trump allegedly claiming Kyiv had “no cards” to play.

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump and Zelensky are meeting today to negotiate a preliminary agreement on sharing Ukraine’s mineral resources that Trump says will allow America to recoup aid provided to Kyiv while supporting Ukraine’s economy. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

That Oval Office Argument That Blew Everything Up

Chile, things went from messy to explosive on February 28 during an Oval Office press gaggle. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky got into a straight-up verbal scuffle in front of reporters. It wasn’t just a disagreement—it was a full-blown international headline moment.

After that confrontation, the U.S. temporarily pulled back military aid and intelligence from Ukraine. Folks around the world—especially in Europe—saw that as a dangerous shift in American values.

And Glucksmann ain’t letting that slide. His clapback is rooted in history and heavy symbolism: if America no longer stands by the liberty that statue represents, maybe it doesn’t deserve to keep it.

“We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So, it will be just fine here at home,” he said.

Welp. The man said what he said.

What This Means for U.S.-Europe Relations Moving Forward

This ain’t just about a statue—it’s a bigger reflection of growing tensions between Europe and the U.S. over global leadership and moral responsibility. Glucksmann’s statement is an emotional gut punch and a political reality check.

For Americans who pride themselves on liberty, justice, and freedom, this moment might feel like a wake-up call. Because when your allies start asking for their gifts back, it’s more than symbolic—it’s a critique of your character.

Let us know your thoughts, Socialites! Do you agree with Glucksmann or nah? Drop a comment, hit that share button, and tap into more global conversations right here on Hollywood Unlocked.