Musk Says AI and Robots Are the Only Way to Fix U.S. Debt

During an appearance on Walter Isaacson's new podcast "Builders," Elon Musk reflected on his time leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), admitting that cutting government spending had not resolved the U.S. fiscal deficit. He said the only way to solve the national debt is through artificial intelligence and robotics.

"The only way to solve the debt problem is AI and robots," Musk said. "We can't just solve it by cutting spending." He also argued that President Trump, Congress, and the judicial system lack the real will to reduce government expenditures.

Musk acknowledged that he had become too immersed in politics and stayed away from his companies for too long. He said that if he could do it again, he would have stayed behind the scenes and kept his formal government role to one or two months instead of four. "I should have gone back earlier and focused on AI," he said.

Despite his reflections, Musk has not withdrawn from politics. According to campaign finance disclosures, his political spending in the current U.S. election cycle totals about $366 million, with at least $276 million going to Republican-aligned groups and his own super PAC since July 2026.

Musk's view echoes U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent's earlier comments that AI-driven productivity gains could help ease debt pressure. However, analysts note that even if AI boosts productivity, it remains uncertain whether the government can effectively convert new economic activity into tax revenue.