Elon Musk has once again backed the idea of universal high income as a response to job losses that could be caused by artificial intelligence and automation.
In a post on X, Musk argued that government-issued checks would be the best way to deal with unemployment in an AI-driven economy.
“Universal HIGH INCOME via checks issued by the Federal government is the best way to deal with unemployment caused by AI,” Musk wrote.
Also Read | Amazon Acquires Globalstar In Satellite Race Against Elon Musk's Starlink
Universal HIGH INCOME via checks issued by the Federal government is the best way to deal with unemployment caused by AI.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 17, 2026
AI/robotics will produce goods & services far in excess of the increase in the money supply, so there will not be inflation.
He added that such a system would not necessarily lead to inflation because “AI/robotics will produce goods & services far in excess of the increase in the money supply, so there will not be inflation”.
This is not the first time Musk has spoken about a future supported by universal income.
In December, while responding to comments by investor Ray Dalio on the so-called Trump accounts initiative, Musk said: “There will be no poverty in the future and so no need to save money. There will be universal high income.”
Dalio had described the programme as a bipartisan effort to help young Americans invest early and build financial literacy.
However, Musk has not explained how such a system would work in practice. His comments also sparked criticism online, with several users questioning whether reliance on government support could create dependency or give authorities greater control over people's lives.
A user on X criticised the idea of government-led payouts, saying: “Our federal government is power-hungry with an aversion to justice. They can't be trusted with more money!”
Some also questioned whether financial support alone would solve the deeper social impact of widespread unemployment.
Also Read | Elon Musk's SpaceX Files Confidentially For IPO Ahead Of AI Rivals
“I respectfully disagree. It doesn't address the sense of purpose issue. A lot of people go to work every day feeling needed. Like they matter,” wrote another user.
Others said some form of income redistribution may eventually become necessary, but argued it should not be controlled by governments or corporations.
“This has to be the inevitable future - but rather than putting it in the hands of the billionaires and politicians, there needs to be permissionless, verifiable ways for AI value to be distributed to communities,” another post said.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
