Elon Musk says "work is going to be optional" as AI produces abundance

In an Economist interview filmed at Tesla’s Texas factory, Elon Musk proposed that the U.S. Treasury distribute payments to Americans, describing the idea as “universal high income” rather than basic income and presenting it as a result of artificial intelligence producing abundance. He said AI would surpass human workers across occupations and predicted deflation. The remarks came after his January–May 2025 stint leading the Department of Government Efficiency, whose savings claims were partly unverified by the GAO and which did not reduce overall federal spending, according to the article; outlays rose about 6% over the period. Musk did not specify funding or eligibility. The idea addresses potential AI-driven job disruption, though he framed it as inevitable rather than a formal policy plan.