In a bold and symbolic statement, French politician Raphaël Glucksmann has called on the United States to return one of its most iconic landmarks — the Statue of Liberty.
The statue, a gift from France in 1886 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of American independence, has long stood as a powerful symbol of freedom, democracy, and hope on the New York City skyline.
But according to Glucksmann, those values are now in question.
Speaking at a convention for the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, the European Parliament member criticized what he sees as a shift in American ideals.
He argued that the U.S. no longer upholds the democratic principles that the Statue of Liberty was meant to represent.
“We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with tyrants, to those who fired researchers for defending scientific freedom — give us back the Statue of Liberty,” he said. “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you no longer value it. It’ll be just fine here at home.”
His comments sparked headlines and debate across the globe — not just about the statue itself, but about the growing frustration with U.S. leadership, especially under the current administration.
A Growing Wave of Backlash
Glucksmann’s remarks come amid a wider international backlash. In Canada, American flags are being removed from government buildings, schools, and public spaces. Over the weekend, officials in Mississauga, Ontario, began taking down U.S. flags following the approval of Mayor Carolyn Parrish.
“By popular demand, the City has begun removing American flags from sports arenas and waterfront areas along Lake Ontario,” she said in a statement. “We’ve also ordered oversized Canadian flags to be raised at City Hall in their place.”
Other Canadian cities, including Barrie, Ontario, have followed suit, and the sentiment appears to be growing.
Canadians Turning Inward
Recent surveys show that many Canadians are turning away from the U.S., both in travel and consumer behavior. A poll conducted by Leger found that 59% of Canadians say they are less likely to visit the U.S. in 2025 than in the previous year.
Two-thirds also reported reducing their purchases of American products, opting instead to support Canadian-made goods.
Even in sports, the mood has shifted. Canadian fans have been drowning out “The Star-Spangled Banner” during games against U.S. teams — a trend that former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged in a recent national address, predicting it would continue as a form of protest.
Protests in the U.S. Continue
The unrest isn’t limited to other countries. Within the U.S., discontent is rising. Just last weekend, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, were booed by an audience at the Kennedy Center while attending a classical concert.
The vice president was also met with protests during a ski trip to Vermont last month, following criticism he and President Trump aimed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
A Symbol Caught in the Crossfire
Whether or not the Statue of Liberty ever actually leaves its post in New York Harbor is unlikely — but Glucksmann’s call highlights a much deeper issue. For many around the world, the statue’s meaning has been clouded by political actions that seem to contradict the ideals it represents.
The question now isn’t just about a monument — it’s about the message that monument still sends to the world.
