Elon Musk has publicly supported calls for the United States to withdraw from two cornerstone international organizations: the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United Nations (UN).
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who recently took the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump’s administration, made his stance clear in a late-night post on X on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
His comments have reignited discussions about America’s role in global alliances and its foreign policy direction.
According to Newsweek, Musk endorsed a suggestion from an X user who wrote, “It’s time to leave NATO and the UN.”
Musk’s succinct response—“I agree”—sent shockwaves through political and social media circles. The post, reported by Newsweek journalist Billal Rahman, reflects Musk’s growing willingness to wade into divisive geopolitical issues.
As a close confidant of President Trump and a key financial backer during the 2024 election, Musk’s influence on U.S. policy has expanded significantly, particularly since his appointment to lead DOGE, a new agency tasked with slashing federal spending.
Musk’s statement comes amid longstanding tensions over NATO’s relevance and financial burdens. President Trump has frequently criticized the alliance, arguing that the U.S. disproportionately shoulders its costs while European allies fail to meet defense spending commitments.
Newsweek noted that although Trump has not explicitly committed to exiting NATO, his rhetoric has aligned with Musk’s sentiments, particularly regarding the need for allies to “pay their fair share.”
Musk’s role in dismantling federal agencies as part of DOGE’s mission may also signal a broader push to reduce U.S. involvement in international commitments perceived as costly or inefficient.
The call to leave the UN adds another layer of controversy. The organization, founded in 1945 to promote global cooperation, has faced criticism from some U.S. conservatives who view it as ineffective or overly bureaucratic.
Musk’s endorsement of withdrawal taps into this sentiment, though he has not elaborated on specific reasons beyond his brief X post.
Newsweek highlighted that Musk’s comments have fueled debate about whether his views could shape Trump administration policy, given his proximity to the president.
Public reaction has been polarized. Posts on X, as reported by Newsweek, show a mix of support and skepticism.
Some users hailed Musk as a visionary challenging outdated institutions, while others questioned the practicality and consequences of such a drastic shift.
The timing of Musk’s statement—hours before Newsweek published its article at 3:19 PST on March 2, 2025—underscored its immediacy, amplifying its reach across social media and news outlets.
While Musk’s influence is undeniable, it remains unclear whether his position reflects official administration policy or simply his personal stance.
Newsweek pointed out that Trump has not directly addressed Musk’s comments, leaving observers to speculate about the billionaire’s sway over foreign policy decisions.
Analysts suggest that Musk’s focus on government efficiency could extend to reevaluating international obligations, aligning with his broader mission to cut federal expenditures.
The debate over NATO and the UN is unlikely to fade soon. Musk’s provocative statement has thrust the issue into the spotlight, forcing policymakers and the public to grapple with questions about America’s global role in an increasingly uncertain world.
As of now, neither the White House nor Musk has provided further clarification, but the ripple effects of his words are already being felt.
