Michael Shellenberger Alleges EU Leaders' Policies Threaten NATO Stability

Journalist and author Michael Shellenberger has issued a stark warning on social media, asserting that the actions of key European leaders, specifically European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German politician Friedrich Merz, pose a significant threat to European freedom and security, potentially jeopardizing the NATO alliance. Shellenberger's concerns center on alleged practices of banning candidates and censoring speech within the European Union.

"Europeans should know that this woman @vonderleyen is a menace to their freedom and security. The US cannot remain in NATO if Ursula, Macron, and Merz keep banning candidates and censoring speech," Shellenberger stated in his tweet. He further urged, "@realDonaldTrump and @JDVance must remain steadfast against EU totalitarians."

Shellenberger, known for his critiques of what he terms the "Censorship Industrial Complex," has consistently voiced apprehension regarding increasing governmental and institutional control over online discourse. His concerns often highlight the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), which he and other free speech advocates believe could lead to widespread censorship under the guise of combating misinformation. He has testified before the U.S. Congress on issues related to state-sponsored censorship.

The tweet underscores a broader debate about the balance between national security, combating disinformation, and upholding fundamental freedoms of speech and political participation within democratic frameworks. Shellenberger's remarks suggest that the policies pursued by these European leaders could undermine the foundational principles that unite NATO member states, potentially impacting transatlantic relations and cooperation.

His call to former U.S. President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance reflects a belief that American political figures should actively resist these perceived "totalitarian" tendencies in Europe. This perspective aligns with ongoing discussions in the United States regarding the role of its allies in upholding democratic values, particularly in the context of free expression. The statement highlights growing tensions and differing views on governance and digital regulation between certain political factions in the U.S. and European leadership.