Billionaire Musk endorsed the idea that the US should withdraw from NATO and the United Nations and received agreement from some Republican lawmakers. Billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, on March 1 commented “I agree” in response to a user’s post on social network X saying “it’s time for the US to withdraw from NATO and the United Nations”. Senator Mike Lee has long said that NATO is “a great deal for Europe but not fair to America”. According to him, Washington’s resources are being used to protect Europe, but are not doing much to protect America. Martin Paasi, a Finnish congressman, criticized Elon Musk and said that “no one will trust the US government in the next few decades”.

Elon Musk is said to have significant influence in the US government and last week joined President Trump in his first cabinet meeting since he took office. According to US media, Musk’s support for the US leaving NATO may be a sign that this idea is being considered at the White House. The scenario of the US leaving the alliance will significantly change the national security of the West. Leaders of European countries have recently continuously shared concerns about President Trump’s commitment to the alliance, especially on issues related to Russia and the Ukraine conflict. NATO currently has 32 members, including the US, Canada and 30 European countries. Just a few days after taking office, Mr. Trump declared “America is protecting alliance members but they are not protecting us.” He repeatedly urged NATO members to spend 5% of GDP on defense, much higher than the current 2% and a number that no member country, including the US, can meet. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on February 27 that he had a conversation with President Trump, emphasizing that NATO “is becoming stronger” and that allies are preparing to add billions of dollars in aid and contributions to ensure Ukraine’s security.