“It’s pointless for America to pay for Europe’s defense,” Elon Musk said in search of a US exit from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The billionaire, who co-chairs the Government Efficiency Office (DOGE), responded to an X-post calling for “Out of NATO **!”
“We really should,” Musk said.
On March 2nd, Musk responded to X’s post saying, “It’s time to leave the NATO and the United Nations.”
“I agree,” said Tesla’s chief executive.
Musk’s comments come when the future of the 32 NATO, celebrating its 76th anniversary in April, depends on balance.
According to NBC, US President Donald Trump discussed with an aide who coordinates US involvement with NATO in a way that supports members of the alliance, which spends a certain percentage of GDP on defense.
Also Read: Trump casts doubts on NATO solidarity despite supporting the US after September 11th
“If they don’t pay, I’m not going to protect them”: Trump
Trump told NATO allies he would not defend them if they weren’t going to pay their bills.
“That’s common sense, yes. If they don’t pay, I’m not going to protect them. No, I’m not going to defend them,” Bloomberg cited Trump as saying in his oval office.
Within NATO, Europe, largely disarmed after the Cold War, relies on the United States for communication, intelligence, logistics, strategic military leaders and firepower.
European Union leaders met in Brussels for last week’s emergency summit to significantly increase defense spending.
Officials have come up with a proposal from the Commission that includes 150 billion euros ($162.5 billion) of loans to member states for defense, as well as plans to allow the state budget to be used for four years without causing budget penalties.
“In the past few weeks we’ve seen quite a bit of what’s called turbulent development. EU defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius told Bloomberg.
Under the 2023 law, a president cannot unilaterally withdraw from the alliance without a two-thirds of the majority in Senate or Congress’ actions.
