French politician demands statue's return; US firmly declines
The White House spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, advises the French to thank the Americans because, if not for U.S. soldiers, they would be speaking German today. This comment is in response to the demands of the French politician, Raphaël Glucksmann, who is calling for the return of the Statue of Liberty.
What you need to know
- French politician Raphaël Glucksmann has demanded the return of the Statue of Liberty, arguing that President Trump's decisions contradict its values.
- The USA does not intend to return the Statue of Liberty. The White House spokeswoman refers to the German occupation and advises the French to appreciate the USA's role in their liberation.
- The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the USA in 1884 as a symbol of friendship between the nations.
"Absolutely not," replied White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a Monday press conference when asked directly whether Donald Trump plans to return to France the Statue of Liberty, gifted in 1884.
The USA will not return the Statue of Liberty to France
"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," declared Leavitt in front of cameras, highlighting Germany's occupation of France during World War II and the role of the USA in liberating Paris.
The White House spokeswoman referred to the comments of French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann, which made headlines worldwide. The politician is demanding the return of the Statue of Liberty, claiming that Donald Trump's decisions are contrary to its values.
"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," said the leader of the French Social Democrats, speaking at a Sunday party convention.
Glucksmann's party posted a statement on their website, emphasizing that Trump is governing in an "authoritarian" manner and "preparing to deliver Ukraine to Russia on a silver platter."
