Controversy over the Statue of Liberty between France and USA? Everything you need to know
Controversy between France and the United States over the Statue of Liberty
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Published in
03-18-2025

Photo: Pierre Blaché
Recently, a controversy has erupted surrounding the Statue of Liberty, the iconic monument that France gifted to the United States in 1884 to commemorate the centennial of American independence. French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann suggested that the statue should be returned to France, arguing that the United States no longer represents the values of freedom and democracy that the sculpture symbolizes, especially under the Donald Trump administration. (cadenaser.com)
In response, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt categorically rejected the idea of returning the statue. Leavitt recalled that France should be grateful to the United States for its role in liberating the country during World War II, suggesting that, were it not for American intervention, the French might be speaking German today.
The Statue of Liberty, designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was inaugurated in New York in 1886 and has since served as a symbol of friendship between the two nations and of the shared values of liberty and democracy. This current controversy highlights the political tensions and differing perceptions about the representation of these ideals in the international context.

The Statue of Liberty: Symbol of Freedom and Franco-American Friendship in Danger?
Photo: Julius Drost
While some French politicians question the validity of the values the statue represents in the United States, US officials defend its continued existence as a symbol of the historic alliance between the two countries. This debate reflects the complexities of diplomatic relations and how symbols can take on different meanings depending on the political and social context. (cadenaser.com)
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the return of the Statue of Liberty to France highlights the current divergences in the interpretation of democratic values and freedom. Although the statue's return is unlikely, the debate underscores the importance of reflecting on how nations embody and represent these ideals in the 21st century.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has a blunt message for one French politician who says the country wants the Statue of Liberty back: "Absolutely not." | @pdoocy pic.twitter.com/m6cX0alKKq
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 17, 2025
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