France Wants the Statue of Liberty Back and Why

Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Raphaël Glucksmann recently made headlines by calling for the return of the Statue of Liberty to France. The statement, made on March 16, 2025, was seemingly a symbolic critique of U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, particularly regarding Ukraine and research funding cuts. However, this demand—whether rhetorical or serious—has stirred discussions in international politics, diplomacy, and cultural heritage ownership.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the claim, historical context, U.S. and international reactions, legal implications, and the broader impact on Franco-American relations.

The Historical Context of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, officially known as Liberty Enlightening the World, was a gift from France to the United States in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of American independence and symbolize freedom, democracy, and the strong alliance between the two nations.

Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with internal engineering by Gustave Eiffel, the statue was shipped in 350 pieces and assembled on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Since its dedication on October 28, 1886, it has become a global icon of liberty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a symbol of hope for millions of immigrants arriving in the U.S. through Ellis Island.

To explore the full history of the Statue of Liberty, including its construction, symbolism, and cultural significance, visit the VeroFox blog on the Statue of Liberty.

The Recent Demand: France Wants the Statue of Liberty Back?

On March 16, 2025, Raphaël Glucksmann, a French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the center-left Place Publique party, made an unexpected demand for the return of the Statue of Liberty. During a political convention, he declared:

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

Glucksmann’s criticism focused on two key issues:

The Trump administration’s shifting policy on Ukraine, including pausing military aid and reducing intelligence support, which he saw as aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Cuts to U.S. research funding, which impacted scientific progress and international collaboration, prompting France to attract displaced American researchers.

U.S. Response: The White House Reacts

The White House responded swiftly and decisively. On March 17, 2025, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about the demand during a press briefing. Her response was blunt:

“Absolutely not. My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So they should be very grateful to our great country.”

This response referenced the U.S. role in liberating France during World War II, implying that France should show gratitude rather than making demands. The comment added a layer of historical tension to the diplomatic exchange.

Is This an Official French Government Demand?

Key Facts to Consider:

The French government has not officially supported this statement.
- There has been no formal request from the French Foreign Ministry or Embassy of France in Washington, D.C.
- French President Emmanuel Macron has not addressed the issue publicly.
This is an individual politician’s remark, not state policy.
- As an MEP, Glucksmann represents the European Parliament, not the French government.
- No diplomatic negotiations, legal claims, or official communications have followed.
Historical precedent: France has never demanded the statue’s return before.
- In its 139-year history in the U.S., there has been no official claim from France to reclaim the statue.

Legal and Practical Considerations: Can France Take the Statue Back?

1. Legal Status of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is U.S. property, managed by the National Park Service under the Statue of Liberty National Monument (established in 1924).
France’s original gift was permanent; there is no legal precedent for returning it.
Any claim for repatriation would require a formal diplomatic agreement, which is highly unlikely.

2. Logistical Challenges

Moving the Statue of Liberty would be an engineering nightmare:
- It stands 305 feet (93 meters) tall and weighs 225 tons.
- Disassembly would require hundreds of workers and a massive transportation effort, similar to its original shipment in 1885 aboard the French Navy vessel Isère.
- The cost would likely exceed hundreds of millions of dollars.

3. Public and Political Backlash

The Statue of Liberty is a core part of U.S. national identity.
A demand for its return—whether serious or symbolic—would likely fuel nationalist sentiments in both countries and damage Franco-American relations.

Franco-American Relations: What This Means for Diplomatic Ties

While this demand is not official, it highlights underlying political tensions between France and the U.S. under the Trump administration.

France has actively opposed some of Trump’s policies, including:
- His stance on Ukraine (Macron has pledged unwavering support).
- His administration’s scientific funding cuts, which France sees as an opportunity to recruit displaced researchers.
Despite these differences, France and the U.S. remain key allies, collaborating on defense, trade, and global security issues.

This incident will likely remain a media-driven controversy rather than a diplomatic crisis.

Has France Ever Asked for the Statue of Liberty Back Before?

There is no historical precedent for such a demand. However, past satirical articles and debates have speculated about it:

A 2024 satirical article in Westmount Magazine joked that France wanted the statue back due to Trump’s re-election, but it was fictional.
A 2010 blog post speculated that France might reclaim the statue due to U.S. immigration policies, but this was never an official request.

Glucksmann’s statement is the first known instance of a French politician calling for its return, making this a unique moment in history.

Conclusion: Is the Statue of Liberty Going Back to France?

Key Takeaways:

No, France is not reclaiming the Statue of Liberty.
The demand came from an individual politician (Glucksmann), not the French government.
The U.S. government firmly rejected the idea.
Legally and logistically, repatriating the statue is nearly impossible.
This incident is symbolic, reflecting current political tensions rather than a real diplomatic dispute.

While the Statue of Liberty remains an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy, this episode serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of international relations and political discourse.