French Euro-deputy Raphaël Glucksmann has called for France to reclaim the Statue of Liberty, arguing the US no longer upholds the ideals it symbolizes. Speaking at a rally for his Place Publique movement, the centre-left politician declared, “Give us back the Statue of Liberty.”

He accused America, under President Donald Trump, of abandoning democratic values by aligning with authoritarian regimes and undermining scientific freedom. “We gifted it to you, but clearly you disdain it now. It will be better off back home,” Glucksmann told cheering supporters.

The statue, designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, was originally gifted in 1886 to mark the centenary of the US Declaration of Independence. France still retains a smaller replica on the Seine River in Paris.

Glucksmann, a vocal Ukraine supporter, further denounced Trump’s policy shifts, particularly budget cuts targeting US research institutions. He invited dismissed American scientists to relocate to France, promising a more welcoming environment for innovation and inquiry. “If you fire your best researchers, we’ll gladly receive them,” he added.

He also took aim at France’s far-right figures, labelling them as Trump and Elon Musk’s “fan club,” criticizing their support for spending cuts and authoritarian leanings.

The speech underscores growing tensions between European leaders and Trump’s administration over democratic principles, climate policy, and research freedom.