Tech billionaire Elon Musk publicly endorsed the idea of the United States withdrawing from both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United Nations (U.N.) on March 2, 2025. Musk’s support for the radical shift in U.S. foreign policy came in response to a post from a right-wing political commentator, prompting widespread debate across both American politics and the global stage.
“I agree,” Musk wrote in a brief post on X (formerly known as Twitter), sparking a firestorm of reactions from politicians, commentators, and citizens alike. His endorsement has brought new attention to a growing faction within the United States, particularly among Republican lawmakers, who are advocating for a re-evaluation of the country’s role in global organisations like NATO and the U.N.
Musk’s comments come in the wake of increasing criticism from some corners of the U.S. political landscape regarding the nation’s involvement in international organisations. Several Republican lawmakers have recently introduced a bill calling for the United States to exit the United Nations, citing the organisation’s failure to align with the “America First” agenda championed by former President Donald Trump. The bill reflects the broader movement within U.S. politics that questions the country’s obligations and contributions to multinational institutions.
This development follows a controversial vote by the United States, along with Russia, Belarus, Israel, and Hungary, at the end of February 2025. The U.S. was one of the countries that opposed a U.N. resolution condemning Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This vote, along with Musk’s recent comments, has reignited debates about the U.S.’s role in international politics, particularly in relation to NATO and the U.N.
Both NATO and the U.N. were established in the aftermath of World War II, with the U.S. playing a significant role in their formation. NATO was founded as a military alliance to promote collective security and deter Soviet aggression during the Cold War, while the U.N. was created to promote diplomacy, peace, and cooperation among nations in an effort to prevent another global conflict. However, the growing number of critics, including high-profile figures like Musk and some Republican lawmakers, argue that these organisations no longer serve U.S. interests as effectively as they once did.
Musk, known for his role as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has become one of the most influential voices in global technology and business. In recent years, he has also made headlines for his outspoken opinions on a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, and space exploration. His comments on the U.S.’s foreign policy have made waves, particularly given his status as a billionaire tech entrepreneur with a global platform.
Currently, Musk holds a unique position as the head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, a role in which he has been credited with spearheading efforts to streamline government spending. Under his leadership, the department has overseen significant cuts in government spending, including reductions to life-saving foreign aid. This has raised concerns among critics who worry that Musk’s approach may further isolate the U.S. from its international allies and partners.
Despite his significant influence, Musk is not an elected official and holds no formal role in the U.S. government. His support for a U.S. exit from NATO and the U.N. has led to further questions about the role of wealthy individuals in shaping national and international policy. Critics argue that Musk’s opinions, though influential, are detached from the complexities of global diplomacy and security.
Musk’s comments also align with the stance taken by President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized NATO and its member countries for what he perceives as their failure to contribute adequately to the alliance’s military spending. Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with NATO members who do not meet the alliance’s agreed-upon defence spending targets, which he argues places an unfair financial burden on the United States.
Trump has suggested that NATO should function more like a business arrangement, with members contributing more equitably to the alliance’s operations. In addition to calling for NATO countries to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP, Trump has also been a critic of the U.N., claiming that the organisation does not adequately represent American interests and does not align with the “America First” philosophy.
