Elon Musk predicts US GDP growth could reach 4%

Elon Musk has predicted that artificial intelligence could significantly boost US economic growth, potentially pushing GDP growth to 4% in 2027.

Elon Musk has predicted that artificial intelligence could significantly boost US economic growth, potentially pushing GDP growth to 4% in 2027.

The 54-year-old billionaire said AI could increase US economic growth to about 4% next year, compared with roughly 2% without the technology.

Taking to X, the CEO of SpaceX wrote, “AI could double US GDP growth to 4% next year amid capital hurdles, maybe even more.”

However, Musk did not provide details or evidence to support his projection. His forecast is significantly higher than the latest projection from the US Federal Reserve.

According to the Fed’s projection released on September 16, US GDP is expected to grow at a median rate of 2.4% next year. Individual forecasts ranged from 2% to 2.9%.

Musk’s comments come as the AI investment landscape faces a major macroeconomic test. The investment environment is undergoing significant changes, with businesses shifting from asset-light models toward large-scale capital spending, according to brokerage firm Dolat Capital.

“The AI capex cycle is therefore entering its first meaningful macro test, with a more hawkish central-bank stance raising the funding hurdle for an investment cycle already demanding substantial capital,” the report said.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, US economic growth slowed to an annualized rate of 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.1% in the first quarter.

Musk has repeatedly predicted that AI and automation could have a substantial impact on economic growth. In September, the Tesla CEO estimated that AI could increase the global economy by 20% to 30%, potentially generating an additional $20 trillion to $30 trillion in annual output.