A French lawmaker has sparked international debate by suggesting that the United States should return the Statue of Liberty if the nation no longer values the iconic gift. The statement comes amid growing political and cultural disputes over historical monuments in the U.S.
The politician, a member of France’s legislature, argued that if American leaders and citizens continue to criticize or distance themselves from the symbolism of the statue, it should be reclaimed by France. The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France in 1886 as a gesture of friendship and shared democratic values, has long stood as a symbol of freedom and opportunity.
While the comment has drawn mixed reactions, some in the U.S. have dismissed the idea as purely symbolic rhetoric, while others believe it reflects deeper tensions in how historical artifacts and national identity are viewed in modern political discourse. French officials have not indicated any formal plans to request the statue’s return, but the remarks have fueled discussions about the evolving interpretations of national symbols.