Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, has warned that the United States is entering a dangerous debt crisis cycle. He said rising government debt is forcing the US to print more money, which is weakening the dollar and driving inflation higher.
The Growing Debt Problem
The US national debt has reached a record $38 trillion in October 2025 – equal to 324% of GDP. Dalio warned that this level of debt is unsustainable and could cause long-term harm to the economy.
According to data, the US government spends about $7 trillion each year but earns only $5 trillion in revenue. This means the country is spending around 40% more than it earns.
Consequences of Rising Debt
Dalio explained that when a country cannot repay its debt, it often starts printing money to cover the gap. This leads to currency devaluation, inflation, and declining living standards. Over time, it can also increase political and social tension.
He compared this to a self-reinforcing loop — as inflation rises, debt grows even faster, making it harder to fix the problem.
Dalio’s “3% Solution”
To bring stability back, Dalio suggested a “3% solution” — a mix of 4% tax hikes and 4% spending cuts. This would reduce the fiscal deficit from its current 6–7% of GDP down to a more manageable 3% of GDP.
From April to September 2025, the US fiscal deficit already stood at $468 billion, showing that the government continues to spend far more than it earns.
Final Thoughts
Dalio warned that if the US fails to control its growing debt, it could face serious economic instability in the coming years. He said policymakers must act quickly to prevent a long-term crisis that could hurt the global financial system.
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