A thought experiment on how to fix the national debt problem
Planet Money
2025/07/02
A thought experiment on how to fix the national debt problem
A thought experiment on how to fix the national debt problem

Planet Money
2025/07/02
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.
This episode explores whether robust economic growth could help manage or reduce the U.S. national debt. Experts analyze historical examples like post-WWII recovery and examine modern strategies such as tax cuts, immigration reform, infrastructure development, and housing policy. While certain measures show promise in stimulating growth—like upgrading the electrical grid or easing zoning laws—they likely won't be sufficient on their own to address the looming fiscal challenges. Ultimately, the discussion concludes that while growth can help, long-term solutions will require difficult choices around taxation and government spending.
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Cutting certain taxes may lead to economic growth, according to Glenn Hubbard
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