The key facts

  • Musk: the only way to solve the US national debt problem is AI and robots
  • In his view, cutting government spending is impossible due to political discontent
  • Musk admitted he wasted too much time in the Trump administration

Musk linked solving the national debt problem to AI and robots

American entrepreneur Elon Musk said that artificial intelligence and robots could be the only way to rid the United States of its rapidly growing national debt. He shared his thoughts on The Builders podcast with journalist and writer Walter Isaacson. «I have come to the conclusion that the only way to solve our national debt problem is with the help of AI and robots,» the entrepreneur said.

Musk considers spending cuts unfeasible

In Musk's view, the problem can no longer be solved by cutting government spending: American authorities are not ready to give up costly programs, since such decisions cause discontent and create political opponents. The billionaire suggested that President Donald Trump could change the situation if he made fighting the budget deficit his top priority. However, according to Musk, the head of state is not inclined to take unpopular measures, as he wants to keep the goodwill of those around him.

Musk on working in the administration

Earlier, Musk admitted that he became too absorbed in working within US government circles and wasted his time there: in his view, one or two months in Washington would have been enough to gain the necessary experience. He explained that he was captivated by the opportunity to be present in the Oval Office during fateful decisions and to influence what was happening.

US national debt grew by almost $400 billion in two months and reached a new record