Karoline Leavitt
Karoline Leavitt/Instagram

White House Fires Back After France Demands Return of Statue of Liberty

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt firmly stated that the United States has no intention of returning the Statue of Liberty to France, despite a demand from a French official. During Monday’s White House press briefing, Leavitt responded to a remark made by Raphaël Glucksmann, a French member of the European Parliament, who accused some Americans of siding with authoritarian regimes.

“Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” Glucksmann said. Leavitt swiftly dismissed the suggestion, asserting that President Donald Trump would never agree to such a move. “Absolutely not,” she declared. “And 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.”

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Leavitt doubled down on her response, emphasizing the historical alliance between the two nations and the U.S.’s role in World War II. “So they should be very grateful to our great country,” she added.

Karoline Leavitt
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a briefing at the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci / The Associated Press

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France in 1886, remains a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy. Glucksmann’s comment, though seemingly rhetorical, sparked immediate reactions on both sides of the Atlantic, with some observers interpreting it as a critique of U.S. foreign policy.

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The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between American and European leaders over global politics and diplomatic relations. While the White House dismissed Glucksmann’s remark as inconsequential, it underscored the broader debates over the U.S.’s international role and alliances.

Despite the controversy, there is no indication that France has made any formal request regarding the statue. The structure remains firmly in place on Liberty Island, standing as one of the most enduring symbols of American ideals.

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