US, France Tensions Rise Over Statue of Liberty Demand

French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann has sparked controversy by demanding the return of the Statue of Liberty to France, criticizing the Trump administration for straying from the values the statue represents. He expressed gratitude for American sacrifices during World War II while arguing that the U.S. no longer embodies the ideals of freedom and democracy that inspired the statue's gift. In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Glucksmann as a 'low-level' politician and emphasized that France should be grateful for American contributions to its liberation from Nazi occupation. Glucksmann's remarks come amid rising tensions between the U.S. and EU, particularly over Trump's foreign policy decisions concerning Russia and Ukraine. He highlighted a perceived betrayal by the U.S., suggesting that the statue should be returned as a symbol of this disconnection. The ongoing exchange between Glucksmann and the Trump administration illustrates growing frustrations within Europe regarding U.S. leadership.