‘AmerExit’? Republicans push for US to leave NATO amid stalled Ukraine peace negotiations
There is a growing momentum among certain Republicans and influential figures like SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk to push for the withdrawal of the United States from NATO. This movement has gained traction in recent weeks, with Senator Mike Lee of Utah publicly expressing his support for leaving the alliance after the U.S. was excluded from an emergency meeting with NATO countries and Ukraine in London.
Lee took to social media to advocate for the U.S. to exit NATO, suggesting names like “AmerExit” or “NATexit” for the movement. He criticized NATO allies for not providing favorable trade terms despite the U.S. shouldering a disproportionate share of their security needs. Joining Lee in this call to action is Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who referred to NATO as a “Cold War relic” that should be consigned to a museum.
Elon Musk, who heads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration, also expressed agreement with the idea of withdrawing from NATO. This comes at a time when negotiations to end the war in Ukraine have stalled, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeking NATO membership following Russia’s invasion of his country in 2022. However, President Trump reportedly ousted Zelenskyy from the White House after failing to secure a deal, stating that the Ukrainian leader could return when he was ready for peace.
Pulling the U.S. out of NATO would require Congressional approval, with a bipartisan provision in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Bill mandating support from 60 senators or passage of legislation in Congress for withdrawal. Scott Anderson of the Brookings Institution highlighted that this provision sets the stage for a legal battle if the executive branch attempts to unilaterally leave the alliance. While most Americans view NATO favorably, support has slightly declined in recent years according to a survey by the Pew Research Center.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has called on NATO allies to increase defense contributions to the alliance, emphasizing the need for European partners to enhance their defense spending. As of 2023, the U.S. allocated 3.3% of its GDP to defense spending, significantly higher than other NATO members. Hegseth urged European allies to raise their defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP, aligning with President Trump’s longstanding push for greater burden-sharing within the alliance.
NATO, originally established in 1949 to counter the Soviet Union, now comprises over 30 countries. The debate over U.S. withdrawal from NATO reflects broader tensions within the alliance regarding defense spending and strategic priorities. As these discussions unfold, the future of U.S. involvement in NATO remains uncertain, with key lawmakers and influential figures advocating for a reevaluation of America’s role in the alliance.
