Elon Musk declares Marine Le Pen France's “last hope” amid election controversy

On 15 July 2026 Elon Musk used his X platform to write “She is the last hope of France” about Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s far‑right Rassemblement National (RN) who has announced a candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen, recently reconfirmed as eligible after an appeal reduced her conviction‑related ineligibility, has been condemned for misuse of EU parliamentary funds.

The post triggered swift reactions in Paris. French foreign minister Jean‑Noël Barrot replied on X, warning that “the season of interference is beginning”, while RN vice‑president Sébastien Chenu told France 2 that “the RN is not linked to Elon Musk and this does not constitute interference”. Opposition deputies and European regulators called on France’s media authority Arcom to examine whether X’s algorithms could favour any candidate.

The episode has revived debate over foreign influence in French elections, with commentators noting Musk’s control of a major social‑media platform and his history of supporting other European right‑wing parties. The story is being followed by French and international outlets as the election campaign intensifies.