The Statue of Liberty, a Gift from France 140 Years Ago
"Freedom Is Being Undermined Across the United States," Critics Say
A French politician has demanded the return of the 'Statue of Liberty,' which France gifted to the United States 140 years ago. This demand comes amid concerns that the freedom symbolized by the Statue of Liberty is being undermined in many places following the inauguration of the Trump administration.
On the 16th (local time), according to French media including the daily Le Figaro, Raphael Glucksmann, a Member of the European Parliament, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters during a public speech in Paris and demanded, "Return the Statue of Liberty."
He said, "To the Americans who have sided with tyrants and those who have fired scientists for demanding academic freedom, I say, return the Statue of Liberty to us." He also sarcastically remarked, "We gave you the Statue of Liberty, but you disrespect it," adding, "It would be great if the Statue of Liberty were here (in France)." Glucksmann is a politician affiliated with the French center-left party Place Publique.
The 'Statue of Liberty' is a colossal sculpture designed by French sculptor Fr?d?ric Auguste Bartholdi, with construction participation by Gustave Eiffel, the architect famous for the Eiffel Tower. Located on Liberty Island at the gateway to New York, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol representing New York and the United States. France, which fought alongside Americans against the British during the American Revolutionary War, gifted it to the U.S. in 1876 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American independence. Completed in 1886, the Statue of Liberty has served as a landmark symbolizing the 'American Dream' and freedom for 140 years.
The remarks demanding the return of the Statue of Liberty stem from the Trump administration's abolition of the 'DEI' (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policy. Consequently, the Trump administration has undertaken large-scale personnel cuts and budget reductions in sectors such as science and foreign aid, and has been criticized for undermining the value of free trade through high-intensity tariff policies. Additionally, it has maintained close ties with Russia regarding the Ukraine war. As a result, the Trump government and its staunch supporters are seen as damaging the freedom symbolized by the Statue of Liberty.
Glucksmann sharply criticized the Trump administration, saying, "If you are going to fire and expel the people who made your country a superpower through innovation, freedom, and the spirit of inquiry, we will welcome those (dismissed individuals)."
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