As US President Donald Trump intensifies trade tensions with Europe, a French politician has sparked a heated debate by suggesting that France should take back the Statue of Liberty—a historic gift to the United States.
France Fires Back at US Tariff Threats
Raphaël Glucksmann, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Socialists and Democrats group, strongly criticised Trump’s economic policies, particularly his threats of high tariffs on European goods. Speaking at a party convention, Glucksmann sarcastically proposed that since the US appears to be moving away from democratic values, France should reclaim its iconic gift.
“We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently, you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home,” he remarked, as reported by Politico. His comments seemed to reference Washington’s decision to pause aid to Ukraine and Trump’s warming ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Glucksmann’s Bold Remarks on US Jobs and Research
Adding to his provocative statements, Glucksmann suggested that France could benefit from Trump’s job cuts. He invited American professionals, particularly researchers dismissed under Trump’s administration, to move to France and contribute to its economy.
“If you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to dismiss the people who made your country a global powerhouse, we’ll gladly welcome them here,” he declared.
A Symbol of US-French Relations Under Scrutiny
The Statue of Liberty, unveiled in New York Harbor in 1886, was a gift from France to celebrate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. Designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, the statue has long been a symbol of freedom and democracy.
While France has its own smaller replica of the monument along the Seine River in Paris, Glucksmann’s suggestion, though clearly symbolic, highlights the growing strain in US-France relations amid Trump’s protectionist policies.
French MEP Criticizes Trump and Musk’s Influence
Glucksmann also took aim at far-right leaders in France, accusing them of being “a fan club” for both Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who has played a key role in shaping the US president’s economic strategies.
As trade disputes and political tensions escalate, Glucksmann’s remarks reflect a broader European frustration with the current US administration, further complicating diplomatic ties between the two longtime allies.
