A thought experiment on how to fix the national debt problem

Planet Money

2025/07/02

Overview Shownote Highlights Transcript Chapters Pins

Shownote

There's an economic fantasy you sometimes hear in D.C. It often gets trotted out when politicians are trying to add billions or trillions to the national debt. They claim that all the new spending will be worth it in the end because we will supercharge eco...

Highlights

The growing U.S. national debt has become a pressing concern, leading policymakers and economists to consider whether economic growth can serve as a viable solution. While some argue that strategic investments and reforms can boost growth and ease fiscal pressures, others remain skeptical about the feasibility of relying solely on expansion to resolve the imbalance.

06:42

Cutting certain taxes may lead to economic growth, according to Glenn Hubbard

12:44

Medicaid expansion and food stamps may have long-run economic benefits

19:22

Reforming regulations could unlock major economic gains through improved energy infrastructure.

Chapters

Could Growth Rescue the U.S. From Mounting Debt?

00:00

What If We Let More Skilled Workers—and Better Infrastructure—Boost the Economy?

09:37

Is Fixing the Grid and Building Homes Enough to Spark Real Growth?

19:22

Transcript

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