Franco-American Rift Deepens Over Statue of Liberty Remarks

French politician Raphaël Glucksmann calls for symbolic return of the statue, criticizing U.S. policies, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's WWII comment faces backlash.

French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann suggested the Statue of Liberty be returned to France, citing the U.S.'s perceived abandonment of shared democratic values.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the idea, stating France should be grateful for U.S. contributions during World War II, sparking criticism online.
A fabricated transcript of the press briefing falsely depicted a heated exchange between Leavitt and a reporter, which has been debunked by fact-checkers.
Glucksmann emphasized Franco-American historical ties, highlighting France's role in the American Revolution and criticizing the Trump administration's policies on Ukraine, immigration, and science.
Social media users and a 'Community Note' on X provided historical context about France's contributions to U.S. independence, challenging Leavitt's remarks.