Leavitt chastises French politician for demanding Statue of Liberty return

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently addressed a controversial demand made by French politician Raphaël Glucksmann, who urged the United States to return the Statue of Liberty to France. During a press briefing, Leavitt responded to Glucksmann’s request by reminding him of the crucial role American troops played in preventing France from speaking German during World War II.

In response to a question from Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy about whether President Donald Trump would entertain the idea of returning the iconic statue, Leavitt emphatically stated, “Absolutely not.” She went on to emphasize the importance of the United States’ role in liberating France from Nazi Germany’s occupation, urging Glucksmann to show gratitude towards the American troops.

Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and co-president of a small left-wing party in France, made the controversial statement during a speech to his supporters. He claimed that the Statue of Liberty, originally a gift from France to the United States, was now being rejected by Americans. He suggested that the statue would be better off in France, where it would be appreciated.

The French politician’s comments sparked a debate about the relationship between the two countries, with Glucksmann’s party accusing President Trump of authoritarianism and appeasement towards Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron’s prime minister, François Bayrou, also criticized the Trump administration for its handling of military aid to Ukraine, suggesting that it was endangering global security.

UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural agency, has listed the Statue of Liberty as a World Heritage treasure, highlighting its symbolic significance as a beacon of freedom and democracy. The statue, designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, was a gift from France to the United States to commemorate the alliance between the two nations during the American Revolution.

Despite the controversy surrounding Glucksmann’s demand, the Statue of Liberty remains a symbol of hope and liberty for people around the world. Its unveiling in 1886 marked a historic moment in the relationship between France and the United States, celebrating the values of freedom and democracy that both countries hold dear.

In conclusion, the debate over the ownership of the Statue of Liberty highlights the complex and enduring relationship between France and the United States. While the statue may physically reside in New York Harbor, its message of liberty and unity transcends national boundaries, serving as a reminder of the shared values that unite people across the globe.