French Far-Right Distances Itself from Elon Musk's Support

France's largest far-right party, the National Rally (RN), has shown little enthusiasm for billionaire Elon Musk's public support. After Musk called party candidate Marine Le Pen "France's last hope," RN members quickly moved to downplay the endorsement, making clear it is not something the party seeks.

Deputy Laurent Jacobelli stated on public radio that while the party agrees with Musk's statement, it is not looking for foreign support. He stressed that only the opinion of the French people counts. The RN has similarly kept its distance from U.S. President Donald Trump and rejected Moscow's support despite ideological overlaps.

Musk has recently voiced backing for anti-immigration far-right groups across Europe, including Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) and British provocateur Tommy Robinson. However, his ties to the unpopular U.S. president and controversial gestures—such as a hand motion resembling a Nazi salute—complicate acceptance among French conservatives.

RN MEP Thierry Mariani told Politico that such support concerns journalists more than voters, and the party never asked for Musk's help. Colleague Fabrice Leggeri added that there is no reason to seek cooperation with foreign businessmen, particularly those outside Europe.

Musk's posts have sparked allegations of foreign interference in French politics and fears that his social platform "X" could be used to sway the upcoming presidential election. French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux remarked that Musk is entitled to his opinion but stressed the need to ensure his tools are not used to manipulate the campaign. Former EU commissioner Thierry Breton called on authorities to prevent "X" algorithms from favoring any candidate. X representatives declined to comment. Leggeri warned that critics might exploit the "algorithm bogeyman" narrative to harm Le Pen's campaign.