BlackRock CEO warns: U.S. debt surges to $36 trillion, will fall into crisis if economic rise is less than 3%.

Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, warned at the 2025 Forbes Summit that the U.S. will be "drowning" in debt unless ways to stimulate and develop the economy are found. Fink pointed out that U.S. national debt has risen from $8 trillion in 2000 to $36 trillion now, with an expected upcoming tax bill adding another $2.3-2.4 trillion. He emphasized that the U.S. will face a severe crisis if it cannot achieve a real growth rate of 3% per year. Despite the grim situation, Fink still proposed solutions, including unleashing more private capital, streamlining permitting processes, rebuilding infrastructure, and addressing the anticipated shortage of 500,000 electricians. He stated that the foundations for growth still exist, but if the U.S. continues to hover around 2% economic growth, the national debt will ultimately crush the country.