French lawmaker demands the Statue of Liberty to be returned
The White House spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, suggests the French should thank the Americans because, if it weren't for U.S. soldiers, they might be speaking German today. This was in response to comments from French politician Raphaël Glucksmann, who is demanding the return of the Statue of Liberty.
What do you need to know?
- French politician Raphaël Glucksmann has demanded the return of the Statue of Liberty, claiming that President Trump's decisions contradict its values.
- The U.S. does not intend to return the Statue of Liberty. The White House spokeswoman refers to the German occupation and suggests the French should thank the U.S.
- The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the U.S. by France in 1884 as a symbol of friendship between the nations.
- Absolutely not - replied White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during Monday's press conference when asked directly whether Donald Trump intends to return the Statue of Liberty given by France in 1884.
The U.S. 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 wonderful country - stated Leavitt on-camera, referring to the German occupation of France during World War II and the role of the U.S. in liberating Paris.
The White House spokeswoman responded to the comments of French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann, who made headlines worldwide. The politician is demanding the return of the Statue of Liberty, claiming that Donald Trump's decisions contradict 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 one of the leaders of the French Social Democrats, speaking at the party convention on Sunday.
Glucksmann's party posted a statement on their website emphasizing that Trump is ruling in an "authoritarian" manner and is "preparing to deliver Ukraine to Russia on a silver platter."
