The U.S. Department of Justice has formally rejected France's requests for assistance in its investigation into Elon Musk's X platform, calling the probe politically motivated. In a sharply worded two-page letter, the DOJ's Office of International Affairs accused French authorities of attempting to misuse criminal proceedings to regulate free speech on the social media platform.

French investigators had previously raided X's Paris office in February, escalating tensions between European regulators and the platform. The company condemned the raid as "an abusive act of law enforcement theater." French authorities have since summoned Elon Musk, former CEO Linda Yaccarino, and other employees for questioning, with Musk scheduled to appear Monday.

The DOJ letter argues that France's investigation violates First Amendment principles by seeking to criminalize the moderation of online speech. "This constitutes an effort to entangle the United States in a politically charged criminal proceeding," the letter states. The rejection marks a significant escalation in the transatlantic regulatory clash over Big Tech governance.