White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is not here for the disrespect—and she let it be known. After a French politician made some bold claims about wanting the Statue of Liberty back, Leavitt clapped back with a fiery statement that’s got everybody talking.
ICYMI, this drama kicked off when Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of France’s left-wing Public Place party, decided to throw shade on the U.S., saying America no longer deserves Lady Liberty. The iconic statue, gifted to the U.S. by France nearly 140 years ago, stands tall in New York Harbor as a symbol of freedom. But now, this French lawmaker is questioning whether we still rep those values.
On Sunday, Glucksmann told his supporters, “Give us back the Statue of Liberty… It was our gift to you. But apparently, you despise her. So, she will be happy here with us.” The crowd, of course, ate it up—applauding and cheering the whole way through.
But the White House wasn’t about to let that slide.
Karoline Leavitt’s Bold Clapback Shuts Down Statue of Liberty Controversy
During a press briefing, Fox News’ Peter Doocy turned the heat up, asking Leavitt directly about Glucksmann’s comments. “There is now a member of the European Parliament from France who does not think the U.S. represents the values of the Statue of Liberty anymore. They want the Statue of Liberty back. So, is President Trump going to send the Statue of Liberty back to France?”
“Absolutely not,” she snapped back. “My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So, they should be very grateful to our great country.”
And just like that—mic drop.
Let’s be real, Leavitt’s statement hit different. It wasn’t just a defense of an American symbol; it was a reminder of history and sacrifice. That “low-level” French politician might’ve tried to throw shade, but Leavitt came with straight facts.
Why the Statue of Liberty Still Matters in 2025
This isn’t just about a statue—it’s about legacy. The Statue of Liberty has always stood as a beacon of hope and freedom. From immigrants arriving at Ellis Island to everyday Americans looking up in pride, she’s more than metal and stone—she’s a message.
So when politicians start using her for political stunts, it hits a nerve.
And let’s be clear—while international debates like this can stir headlines, the core meaning behind the Statue of Liberty hasn’t changed. She’s still standing tall, still representing liberty, and still rooted in the soil of a country that fought for freedom—not just for itself but for others too.
Whether you agree with Leavitt’s tone or not, there’s no denying the cultural weight behind her words.
French Lawmaker Doubles Down—But Americans Aren’t Backing Down
Interestingly, Glucksmann didn’t stop there. He continued pressing his claims, saying some Americans have “chosen to switch to the side of the tyrants.” That’s a heavy accusation—and one that didn’t go unnoticed.
But what’s also clear is that many Americans see this as more than just foreign commentary—it’s a challenge to our national identity.
