Karoline Leavitt Claps Back at French Politician Demanding Statue of Liberty's Return

WASHINGTON — In a fiery press conference on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took aim at a “low-level” French politician who recently called for the return of the Statue of Liberty, citing the Trump administration's immigration policies as the reason behind the demand.

Leavitt didn’t hold back, advising the unnamed French politician to remember that it’s largely thanks to the United States that the French aren’t speaking German today. Her comment, referencing World War II, drew audible gasps from the gathered reporters, highlighting the tension surrounding the issue.

The call for the statue's return came from Raphaël Glucksmann, a left-leaning French politician, as reported by Le Monde. Glucksmann expressed his discontent with the U.S. stance on immigration, stating, “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.’”

He further elaborated, “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.” This statement was made during a convention for his political party, Place Publique, where he voiced his frustrations over U.S. policies.

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was gifted to the United States by France in 1886 to celebrate American independence. It has long stood as a welcoming sight for immigrants arriving through Ellis Island, representing hope and opportunity.

Glucksmann has been vocal about his criticism of Trump’s policies, particularly regarding Ukraine. He has urged European nations to bolster their defenses in light of the U.S. halting military aid and withholding vital battlefield intelligence from Kyiv.

In addition to his comments on the statue, Glucksmann also condemned the Trump administration’s decision to terminate government employees as part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cost-cutting measures. He stated, “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.”