BREAKING: Musk Accuses Emmanuel Macron of Disrespecting U.S. President Donald Trump by Favoring Zelensky’s Handshake During Solemn Vatican Service for Late Pope Francis

Elon Musk Slams Macron for Alleged Snub of Trump at Pope Francis’s Memorial Service in Rome

Rome, April 26, 2025 – Billionaire entrepreneur and influential figure Elon Musk has ignited a firestorm of controversy with pointed criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of deliberately ignoring U.S. President Donald Trump in favor of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a handshake exchange at the memorial service for the late Pope Francis in Rome. The allegations, which remain unverified, have sparked heated discussions about diplomatic protocol, international relations, and Musk’s growing role in shaping political narratives.

A Solemn Occasion Marred by Controversy

The funeral of Pope Francis, held at St. Peter’s Basilica, drew an estimated 250,000 mourners and over 170 world leaders, including Trump, Zelensky, Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Prince William, to pay their respects to the beloved pontiff, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The service, marked by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s eulogy praising Francis as a “pope among the people,” was intended as a moment of global unity. However, Musk’s claims have shifted attention to an alleged diplomatic slight that reportedly occurred during the proceedings.

According to Musk, Macron warmly greeted Zelensky with a handshake while conspicuously ignoring Trump, who was seated nearby in the front row. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, known for his outspoken commentary on global affairs, took to his social media platform X to voice his discontent, accusing Macron of prioritizing geopolitical alliances over diplomatic courtesy. “Macron’s handshake with Zelensky while snubbing Trump at the Pope’s funeral is a blatant display of bias,” Musk reportedly posted, though no direct evidence of this specific statement has been confirmed in available reports.

The Context of the Alleged Incident

The memorial service was a high-profile event, with seating arrangements and interactions closely scrutinized for their diplomatic implications. Reports indicate that Trump and Zelensky, seated in the front row alongside Macron and other dignitaries, engaged in a 15-minute meeting described as “very productive” by the White House before the ceremony began. Images released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office and the White House show Trump and Zelensky in discussion, joined at times by Macron and Starmer. One photograph notably captures Macron with his hand on Zelensky’s shoulder, a gesture that may have fueled Musk’s allegations of favoritism.

Further complicating the narrative, Macron and Trump were reported to have shaken hands during the funeral mass’s “sign of peace,” a traditional gesture in Catholic liturgy, suggesting some level of interaction between the two leaders. Additionally, Macron met with Zelensky on the sidelines of the funeral to discuss “peace efforts” in Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. These interactions indicate that Macron engaged with both leaders, casting doubt on Musk’s claim of a deliberate snub.

Musk’s Motives and Influence

Musk’s accusations come at a time of heightened global tension, particularly regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s second term. As a vocal supporter of Trump and a key figure in his administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has increasingly leveraged his platform to critique world leaders and shape public discourse. His remarks about Macron may reflect broader frustrations with European leaders who have pushed for continued support for Ukraine, a stance that has occasionally clashed with Trump’s calls for a swift resolution to the war.

Critics argue that Musk’s comments are speculative and inflammatory, potentially exaggerating a minor interaction to score political points. Supporters, however, view his intervention as a bold challenge to perceived diplomatic hypocrisy, aligning with his reputation for disrupting establishment norms. The lack of concrete evidence—such as video footage or firsthand accounts confirming the snub—has fueled skepticism about the incident’s severity, with some analysts suggesting Musk may be amplifying a non-issue to advance his political agenda.

Diplomatic Implications

The alleged incident, if true, would underscore the delicate nature of protocol at high-stakes international gatherings. Funerals of global figures like Pope Francis often serve as impromptu venues for diplomacy, with handshakes and seating arrangements carrying symbolic weight. Trump, who reportedly mocked former President Joe Biden’s 14th-row placement at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, is said to have been seated in the third row at the Vatican, a detail that may have heightened sensitivities about perceived slights.

Macron, a key player in European efforts to support Ukraine, has maintained a delicate balance in his interactions with both Trump and Zelensky. His meeting with Zelensky in Rome, alongside earlier talks in Paris, reflects France’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty amid Russia’s invasion. Meanwhile, Trump