Elon Musk has publicly supported the idea of the United States withdrawing from both NATO and the United Nations, triggering concern among global leaders and European allies.
A simple post with major implications
Musk, who leads Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reposted a message on X calling for the US to leave NATO and the UN, simply adding, “I agree.” His statement quickly fueled speculation about the administration’s true intentions regarding America’s role in global alliances.
Trump’s long-standing skepticism of NATO
While Trump has not outright called for a NATO exit, he has repeatedly questioned its value, arguing that the US is shouldering an unfair burden. His administration recently demanded European allies raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, far beyond current commitments.
A shift toward American isolationism
Musk’s endorsement aligns with growing calls among Republican lawmakers to reevaluate NATO. Senator Mike Lee has labeled the alliance a “Cold War relic,” while Trump has hinted that underfunded member states could be left vulnerable to Russian aggression.
The UN in Musk’s crosshairs
Musk also supported the idea of the US leaving the UN, an organization he has clashed with before. In 2021, he challenged the UN’s claim that a $6 billion donation could end world hunger, demanding transparency before agreeing to fund it—money that never materialized.
Trump allies rally against global organizations
Utah Senator Mike Lee has called the UN a “platform for tyrants,” and Trump recently criticized its inefficiency, questioning the necessity of continued US involvement. His administration has already ordered a review of US participation in UN programs like UNESCO.
The future of US global influence
As Trump’s administration leans further into an “America First” strategy, Musk’s statements have only intensified uncertainty over the future of US involvement in international alliances. Whether these discussions lead to actual policy changes remains to be seen.
