Elon Musk, Head of U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, Endorses Withdrawal from NATO and UN
Elon Musk supports U.S. withdrawal from NATO and the UN, aligning with a faction of Republican lawmakers amid Trump's administration's "America First" agenda. His stance, articulated on March 2, 2025, reflects growing skepticism of international alliances, causing concern among European leaders about weakening collective defense, especially against Russian aggression.
hassan benyoub 
Washington, March 2, 2025 – Elon Musk, the influential head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and a key advisor to President Donald Trump, has publicly backed calls for the United States to exit both NATO and the United Nations. This bold stance, voiced on March 2, 2025, underscores a growing push within the Trump administration to rethink America’s role in international alliances, sparking debate at home and abroad.
Musk’s Public Endorsement
On Sunday, Musk took to X, the platform he owns, to express support for a post by right-wing commentator Gunther Eagleman, who declared, “It’s time to leave NATO and the UN.” Musk’s succinct response—“I agree”—sent ripples through political circles, aligning him with a faction of Republican lawmakers advocating for a U.S. pullout from these organizations. The statement builds on Musk’s earlier critiques, including a February 2025 post calling NATO “anachronistic” and questioning its relevance post-Cold War.
This isn’t Musk’s first jab at global bodies. He has previously echoed Senator Mike Lee’s view that the U.S. overfunds the UN, which receives about 22% of its regular budget and 25% of its peacekeeping funds from Washington. Lee’s Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act, introduced last month, seeks a full UN exit, a move Musk has now amplified.
Context: A Shifting U.S. Policy Landscape
Musk’s comments come amid escalating transatlantic tensions, particularly over the Ukraine conflict. Trump has long criticized NATO allies for not meeting defense spending targets, recently pushing for a 5% GDP contribution—far above the current 2% goal no member, including the U.S., achieves. His administration’s “America First” agenda has fueled skepticism toward multilateral commitments, with Musk’s DOGE role amplifying this ethos by targeting federal spending cuts, including dismantling agencies like USAID.
The timing is notable. Just days ago, Trump’s heated clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored a U.S. pivot, with European leaders scrambling to bolster Ukraine’s support at a London summit. Musk’s NATO and UN stance adds fuel to fears of an American retreat from global leadership.
Implications and Reactions
- U.S. Domestic Support: Trump allies and MAGA supporters on X hailed Musk’s position as a win for sovereignty and fiscal restraint, arguing it could save billions annually. Posts celebrated it as a step to “stop taking it up the ass,” reflecting populist frustration with international burdens.
- European Alarm: Across the Atlantic, Musk’s words sparked unease. European leaders, already wary of Trump’s NATO threats, see a potential U.S. exit as a seismic shift that could weaken the alliance against Russian aggression. NATO’s Mark Rutte urged unity, while the UK and France push a Ukraine ceasefire plan to counter U.S. disengagement.
- Musk’s Influence: As DOGE chief, Musk wields significant sway over Trump’s policy direction. His focus on efficiency—slashing federal costs and staff—now extends to questioning the $3.5 billion NATO budget (67% U.S.-funded) and UN contributions, aligning with Trump’s calls for allies to “pay their fair share.”
What’s Next?
Musk’s endorsement doesn’t guarantee a U.S. withdrawal, but it amplifies a debate gaining traction in Washington. With Lee’s DEFUND Act and similar House proposals pending, 2025 could see concrete steps toward isolationism if Trump greenlights them. For now, it’s a signal of intent, rattling allies and emboldening critics of globalism.
