Summary: A French lawmaker is calling for the U.S. to return the Statue of Liberty, accusing the country of supporting “tyrants” regarding its stance in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Raphael Glucksmann, a member of France’s center-left Place Publique party, called on Sunday for the United States to return the Statue of Liberty, accusing the country of supporting “tyrants.” Newsweek contacted the White House via email on Sunday evening for a comment.
The Context
Europe has criticized President Donald Trump’s stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with many accusing him of favoring Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine in ceasefire negotiations. Early talks left Ukraine out, as Trump argued that Kyiv had “no cards” to play in the discussions.
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Tensions escalated when Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a heated argument in front of reporters during an Oval Office press event on February 28, leading to the U.S. temporarily suspending military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine.
Russia has long been viewed by Republicans and Democrats as an adversary of the U.S. whereas Ukraine is an ally. U.S. allies in Europe have also raised alarms over Trump’s stance toward Ukraine and Russia.
What To Know
Glucksmann, a staunch defender of Ukraine, spoke at a party convention and took time to scold the U.S. for what he viewed as a shifting position on values.
“Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” he said, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP). “We will tell the Americans who have sided with tyrants, to those who dismissed researchers for advocating scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty.'”
He added: “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So, it will be just fine here at home.”
France presented the U.S. with the Statue of Liberty in 1884 as a gift to commemorate the alliance between the two countries. The statue was disassembled and shipped aboard the French Navy vessel Isère and it arrived in 1885 where it was “met with great fanfare,” according to the National Parks Service. The entire structure was finished in 1886.
The statue, which is in New York, has since become an icon of freedom and of the United States.
The second thing we’re going to say to the Americans is: ‘If you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, their taste for doubt and research, have made your country the world’s leading power, then we’re going to welcome them,'” Glucksmann said Sunday.
The slam against the U.S. was part of a wider attack on far-right leaders, particularly those in France, accusing them of being a “fan club” for Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk.
Meanwhile, Trump also withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement mere hours after taking office again in January through executive order. The move is part of Trump’s wider effort to create energy dominance and self-sufficiency in the U.S.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump on Saturday posted on Truth Social: “I am pleased to inform you that General Keith Kellogg has been appointed Special Envoy to Ukraine. General Kellogg, a Highly Respected Military Expert, will deal directly with President Zelenskyy, and Ukrainian leadership. He knows them well, and they have a very good working relationship together. Congratulations to General Kellogg!”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in part on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “After the talks in Jeddah and the American proposal for a ceasefire on the frontline, Russia stole almost another week – a week of war that only Russia wants.
He added: “We will do everything to further intensify diplomacy. We will do everything to make diplomacy effective. But every day now is about defending our independence, our state, and our people. We must remember – it is the support of our army, all our defense and security forces, and our state that determines everything.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday, per Russian news agency Tass: “You must have heard the important statement that President Putin made yesterday. He said in response to questions from reporters that he backed Trump’s position on the settlement. This is why, even though there is still a lot to be done, the president sided with Mr. Trump’s stance.
What Happens Next?
Trump and Putin reportedly will look to speak this week, while the administration continues to ponder the contours of a deal with Ukraine that will create economic security guarantees by granting the U.S. access to vital rare earth minerals within the country.
Last Updated on August 16, 2025 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
