Recently, troubles involving Elon Musk’s X platform in Europe have become increasingly more complex. On one side, the French Ministry of Justice is investigating X’s Paris office; on the other side, Macron and Stammer are pushing the Hamoze Strait plan that does not include the United States. The overall situation looks like Europe is pressuring the Trump administration on multiple fronts at the same time.

First, regarding X. The U.S. Department of Justice recently directly refused to assist with the French investigation, citing that this is a politically motivated case targeting American technology companies. According to a letter from the Department of Justice, they believe France’s request amounts to an attempt to pull the United States into politically motivated criminal proceedings. French authorities have already filed three separate requests for U.S. assistance this year, and in February they even conducted a raid on X’s Paris office, summoning Elon Musk himself and the former CEO, Linda Yaccarino, to interviews. Under French law, failing to comply with such summons could lead to an arrest warrant, creating a substantial legal risk for Elon Musk.

The French authorities’ investigation involves allegations related to deepfake content and accusations about bias in X’s algorithms. They claim that the system favors Elon Musk’s viewpoints. The investigation began in January 2025, triggered by complaints from legislators and officials who alleged that the platform’s content selection could constitute foreign interference in France. Prosecutors are also reviewing more serious allegations, such as the distribution of child pornography.

Interestingly, as the legal battle heats up, French President Macron and UK Prime Minister Stammer are pushing a completely different plan. They are developing a Europe-led mission for the Hamoze Strait, with the goal of reopening shipping routes after the conflict ends, without relying on U.S. leadership. This proposal introduces a naval force made up of the United Kingdom, France, and other non-belligerent countries, sharply contrasting with Trump’s strategy of using the U.S. Navy to blockade Iranian ports.

The UK has already invited more than 40 countries to participate in this plan, but the United States has not been included in the early discussions. European officials emphasize that this mission will be strictly defensive in nature, only launching after active fighting ends, with the goal of achieving free passage with no blockade and no tolls.

From Elon Musk’s X platform facing an investigation in France, to Europe bypassing the United States and pushing an independent maritime plan—these developments all reflect a broader trend: Europe is trying to build an independent policy space that does not rely on the United States. For Musk and his corporate empire, this means facing increasing regulatory pressure and political standoffs in multiple regions.