Musk criticized U.S. defense spending in Europe

Entrepreneur and head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Ilon Musk wondered why Americans are paying for European defense spending. He published the corresponding post on February 19 on his page in the social network X (former Twitter).

One of the users, referring to the United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, said that NATO allies should spend more on their own security.

He said the United States spends just 3.5 percent of its GDP, but accounts for 67 percent of the North Atlantic Alliance's total military spending, although Europe and Canada account for nearly half of its GDP. Meanwhile, Germany and Canada, for example, lag far behind in military readiness, User X noted.

"Why are American taxpayers covering 2/3 of Europe's defense spending? It doesn't make sense. Defense against who?" - Musk wrote, commenting on the publication.

Earlier, on February 12, Musk called for a review of NATO activities. In January, American President Donald Trump said that he was not sure whether to continue sponsoring NATO, as Washington protects the members of the alliance, and in return does not receive help. He noted that he would push for the North Atlantic Alliance states to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.