A French politician says the USA should return Latest York City’s iconic Statue of Liberty, which was gifted by France 138 years ago.
The statue, which was given to the U.S. on the a centesimal anniversary of its independence, has long been a defining feature of the Latest York City skyline and an emblem of the free world.
At a celebration convention for the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Raphael Glucksmann, a member of European Parliament, told his colleagues that America should return the gift because the country now not embodies or protects the values of democracy and freedom.
“We’re going to say to the Americans who’ve chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom, give us back the Statue of Liberty,” he said, in response to media reports.
“We gave it to you as a present, but apparently you despise it. So it should be just tremendous here at home.”
His comments come amid a flurry of protests against the Trump administration each domestically and from the international community.
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In Canada, American flags flown outside government buildings, schools and sports arenas are being taken down.
Over the weekend, flags flying in Mississauga, Ont., were removed following Mayor Carolyn Parrish’s approval.
“On the request of many, the City has begun to remove all American flags from sports arenas and locations along Lake Ontario, including the pier at Snug Harbour in Port Credit. Oversized Canadian flags (15’x30’) are ordered and might be installed on all of the poles at City Hall,” she wrote on X.
The City of Barrie, Ont., has also taken down American flags.
Meanwhile, Canadians are reducing travel south of the border and are opting to purchase domestically produced products.
Based on a recent survey by Canadian market researcher Leger, 59 per cent said they’re less prone to visit the U.S. in 2025 than in 2024, and two-thirds of Canadians have minimized their purchasing of American goods each in-store and online.
Canadian sports fans have been drowning out The Star-Spangled Banner at skilled events between American and Canadian teams, a phenomenon that former prime minister Justin Trudeau said would likely proceed during an address to the nation and Trump in February.
Within the U.S. an audience on the Kennedy Center booed vice-president JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, as they took their seats ahead of a classical concert last weekend.
The vice-president was also met by demonstrators during a ski trip to Vermont last month, following his and Trump’s dressing down of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy within the Oval Office.
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