Elon Musk said Friday that his decision to reduce political activity is rooted in a belief that the U.S. must rapidly grow its GDP to avoid economic collapse.
Musk, who supported President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign and advised his administration, is now directing his attention toward robotics and economic innovation.
He stated that while government reforms are useful, the only long-term solution to America’s fiscal crisis is a dramatic increase in productivity.
Musk made the remarks in response to a conversation on X about the national debt and the need for explosive economic growth.
One user commented that the recent Republican-backed spending bill left the country vulnerable unless GDP growth occurred in the next few years.
Another user speculated that Musk’s retreat from political life was tied to his belief that humanoid robots could be the key to solving the crisis.
Musk confirmed the speculation, writing, “I have come to the perhaps obvious conclusion that accelerating GDP growth is essential.”
He added that the Department of Government Efficiency, which he helped guide under the Trump administration, had limited ability to curb spending alone, per the Daily Wire.
Musk argued that due to the size and scale of government waste, only “radical improvements in productivity” can prevent national bankruptcy.
He is now refocusing his efforts on Tesla’s development of autonomous humanoid robots that can handle repetitive, dangerous, or boring jobs.
Tesla recently showcased footage of the robots walking, dancing, and adjusting their speed dynamically, all with human-like fluidity.
Musk has long predicted that humanoid robots will significantly impact global economies and even surpass human specialists in certain fields.
Last year, he said there could be 10 billion humanoid robots worldwide by 2040, priced between $20,000 and $25,000 each.
In April, Musk claimed these robots would outperform good human surgeons within a few years and the best within five years.
His comments align with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s remarks Friday, urging Americans to focus on economic growth rather than just debt figures.
Bessent said that improving the debt-to-GDP ratio was the key to avoiding financial disaster, not just cutting spending.
“If we change the growth trajectory of the country, of the economy, then we will stabilize our finances and grow our way out of this,” Bessent stated.
Musk’s pivot reflects a broader view among some leaders that technological innovation must play a central role in rescuing the U.S. economy.
Though he played a prominent role in helping the GOP secure victory in 2024, Musk is now pulling back from political donations.
He previously said he would contribute “a lot less” in future elections, suggesting his time and resources will go toward solving the economic challenge through private-sector breakthroughs.
Musk’s strategy relies on boosting national productivity through automation, rather than relying solely on Washington to change course.
As the robots progress, Musk is expected to continue showcasing their development and applications across industries.
Supporters of Musk’s shift see it as a return to the entrepreneur’s core strength—building real-world solutions to massive problems.
His decision signals a belief that innovation, not policy alone, is what will ultimately determine America’s economic fate.
