Who is Raphael Glucksmann? The French Politician Who Wants the U.S. to Return the Statue of Liberty

Who is Raphael Glucksmann?

Raphael Glucksmann, a French politician and Member of the European Parliament, has sparked international headlines after demanding that the United States return the Statue of Liberty to France. His remarks, originally made at a political rally, have triggered a sharp response from the White House and reignited debates about transatlantic ties, values, and global leadership.

Glucksmann, Under Fire From US, Hails America That 'Was Enemy Of Fascism

Glucksmann: Background and Career

Born on October 15, 1979, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Raphael Glucksmann is the son of renowned philosopher and writer André Glucksmann, a key figure in France’s intellectual landscape and one of the so-called “New Philosophers.” His mother, Chantal Glucksmann, was a film producer. Raphael grew up in a politically engaged household, surrounded by debates on human rights, totalitarianism, and freedom.

Glucksmann studied at Sciences Po Paris, one of France's most prestigious political science institutions. Early in his career, he worked as a journalist, writer, and advisor to Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. In 2018, he co-founded Place Publique, a progressive political movement aimed at uniting the fragmented French left. A year later, he was elected to the European Parliament, where he has been active on issues related to foreign policy, human rights, and democratic values.

Personal Life

Glucksmann was previously married to Georgian actress Eka Zguladze, who served as Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs in Ukraine. He is currently married to French journalist Léa Salamé, with whom he has a son. Glucksmann often speaks about balancing his roles as a politician, activist, and father.

Read more: Can France Reclaim the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty Controversy

At a Place Publique convention on Sunday, Glucksmann called on the U.S. to return the Statue of Liberty. “Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” he declared. “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it.”

Glucksmann’s statement was a symbolic critique of what he perceives as America’s departure from democratic values under the current administration. He accused Washington of turning its back on European allies and betraying shared ideals of freedom and resistance to tyranny.

White House Response

On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Glucksmann’s remarks, labeling him an “unnamed low-level French politician” and stating bluntly, “Absolutely not.” Leavitt emphasized the U.S. role in liberating France during World War II, asserting, “It’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now.”

Glucksmann’s Rebuttal

Glucksmann’s Rebuttal

Following the White House’s dismissal of his remarks, Glucksmann took to social media to issue a forceful response. In a lengthy post on X, he addressed the American public directly, defending his statements and expanding on the historical and moral context behind them. He acknowledged the deep historical ties between France and the United States, citing the blood shed by both nations in the pursuit of freedom. He specifically honored the sacrifices made by American soldiers during World War II, saying that without them, France might have fallen permanently under Nazi control. “I would simply not be here if hundreds of thousands of young Americans had not landed on our beaches in Normandy,” he wrote, expressing France’s eternal gratitude to the United States.

However, Glucksmann argued that the current U.S. administration has strayed from these shared democratic ideals. He accused Washington of abandoning its historic role as a defender of freedom and an opponent of authoritarian regimes. “The America of these heroes fought against tyrants, it did not flatter them. It was the enemy of fascism, not the friend of Putin,” he stated. Glucksmann also criticized U.S. domestic policies, including actions against scientific freedom and what he sees as growing xenophobia.

Clarifying his earlier statement about reclaiming the Statue of Liberty, Glucksmann emphasized that his words were symbolic. “No one, of course, will come and steal the Statue of Liberty. The statue is yours. But what it embodies belongs to everyone,” he wrote. According to Glucksmann, the statue represents universal values of liberty, justice, and resistance to oppression — values he believes are currently under threat.

He concluded his message with a call to action for Europe to uphold these principles if the United States fails to do so. “If the free world no longer interests your government, then we will take up the torch, here in Europe,” he declared, framing Europe as the guardian of the freedoms symbolized by the iconic monument.

What’s Next?

As of now, neither side shows signs of softening. Glucksmann continues to frame himself as a defender of European and democratic ideals. Meanwhile, the White House has moved to minimize the controversy, positioning Glucksmann as a fringe voice.

Regardless, the episode underscores growing tensions between some European leaders and Washington, with the Statue of Liberty serving as an unlikely symbol of the debate.

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