Overview

• French politician Raphaël Glucksmann called for the Statue of Liberty's return, claiming the U.S. no longer represents its values of freedom and democracy.
• Glucksmann's remarks were a symbolic critique of Donald Trump's policies, including reduced support for Ukraine and cuts to federal research funding.
• The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, dismissed the suggestion, highlighting U.S. efforts in liberating France during World War II.
• UNESCO confirmed that the Statue of Liberty is U.S. government property, making its return to France legally impossible.
• Glucksmann clarified his comments as symbolic, inviting U.S. researchers affected by funding cuts to relocate to France.