Latest news with #SenTedCruz

Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Elon Musk Says Humanoid Robots Will Start Impacting Countries' GDPs In 4 To 5 Years. 'Robot Cars' Even Sooner—In Just 1 To 2 Years
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk is doubling down on his belief that artificial intelligence and robotics will reshape the global economy—and soon. 'Accelerating GDP growth is essential,' Musk posted on X on May 23. He claimed that the U.S. government's overspending could result in a financial crisis unless there's a massive jump in productivity. He did, however, mention that the Department of Government Efficiency 'has and will do great work to postpone the day of bankruptcy of America.' Don't Miss: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — The X post came in response to someone wondering whether 'Elon has somewhat moved away from politics in order to accelerate GDP growth with humanoid robots' after another person wrote that 'Given the disastrous GOP bill, the only chance the US has is explosive GDP growth.' When asked how soon humanoid robots could start affecting 'the GDP of any country,' Musk replied, '4 to 5 years.' He added that 'robot cars' using Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology, could have a 'noticeable effect' within one to two years. In an interview with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) in March, Musk said that within 10 years, 'AI could probably do anything better than the human can cognitively,' and predicted a future where humanoid robots are as common as personal assistants. 'Ultimately, there will be tens of billions,' he said. He also predicted that 90% of all miles driven could be autonomous within a decade. 'Goods and services will become close to free,' Musk told Cruz. 'It's not that people will have a lower standard of living, they'll have actually a much higher standard of living.' Trending: Earlier this month, Musk showcased Tesla's Optimus humanoid robots to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Donald Trump during a demonstration in Riyadh. The robots even danced to 'YMCA.' 'I think they were very impressed,' Musk said at a Saudi economic forum. He also joked that one of the robots performed the 'Trump dance.' Musk envisions a world where humanoid robots are everywhere, calling them personal versions of 'Star Wars' robots C-3PO or R2-D2. He believes robotics could create an economy '10 times the size of the current global economy' and result in 'universal high income.' Still, challenges remain. During a recent Tesla earnings call, Musk admitted that supply chain issues—including China's export restrictions on rare earth magnets—are slowing down Optimus some experts have questioned Musk's timelines regarding FSD. AI pioneer Yann LeCun, for instance, accused Musk last year of lying for years about the capabilities of Tesla's FSD technology. In September, he posted on X, 'Elon: 'I've kept lying to you again and again about Tesla's 'Full Self Driving' capabilities for the last 8 years, but you should believe everything I say about politics and everything else.'' LeCun was responding to an article by Green Hills Software CEO Dan O'Dowd, who called Musk a 'snake oil salesman' for failing to deliver promised features like 'Actually Smart Summon.' Musk, however, continues to press forward, making it known he believes AI and robotics aren't just the future—they're the last hope to prevent economic collapse. He also recently confirmed that Tesla is on track to rollout fully-autonomous vehicles in Austin, Texas, in June. Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Elon Musk Says Humanoid Robots Will Start Impacting Countries' GDPs In 4 To 5 Years. 'Robot Cars' Even Sooner—In Just 1 To 2 Years originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Is Ramaphosa in trouble? US Secretary of Marco Rubio calls out SA
Rubio claimed South Africa is undermining American security interests. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump would not join a meeting of G20 leaders in South Africa in November, stressing that Pretoria has been 'consistently unaligned' with US policy. Rubio's comments came a day before President Cyril Ramaphosa meets with Trump at the White House on Wednesday. Agenda Ramaphosa arrived in Washington on Monday afternoon with his delegation for a working visit to the US amid tensions between the two countries. The highly anticipated meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump has been confirmed for 5:30 pm (Central African Time) on Wednesday at the White House. While the Presidency did not share an agenda for the talks, Ramaphosa and Trump are expected to discuss several issues, including members of the US administration snubbing the G20 meetings, aid cuts, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, South Africa's International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel and 'strengthening ties with Iran, which supports terrorism globally'. WATCH Marco Rubio speaking about South Africa US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump would not join a meeting of G20 leaders in South Africa in November, stressing that Pretoria has been 'consistently unaligned' with US policy. Vid: @SenTedCruz #DonaldTrump #CyrilRamaphosa #MarcoRubio @TheCitizen_News May 21, 2025 ALSO READ: WATCH: 'Fear not' Ramaphosa says, as Johann Rupert and Ernie Els expected to join Trump meeting American interests Speaking at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Rubio claimed South Africa is undermining American security interests. 'We chose not to participate in this year's G20 hosted by South Africa either at the foreign minister level or the president's level, and it had a lot to do with some of these issues, in addition to some of the issues they brought on their agenda, which we don't think reflect the priorities of this administration,' Rubio said. 'So the president of South Africa is here today because he says he endeavours to reset relations between our countries and President Trump. If someone says that it is always going to be open to resetting relations, but it will have to touch on some of the issues just pointed out now. 'Obviously, the position they've adopted towards Israel is not just off balance, but completely geared towards one side, and it makes one wonder about these allegations that are out there now of foreign influence, including with Iran. They are clearly on the global stage, and multiple multinational organisations have consistently been a vote against America's interests time and again,' Rubio said. 'Zelensky-style ambush' There is speculation about how the meeting will go, with fears Ramaphosa is walking into a 'Zelensky-style ambush', referring to the viral clash that took place when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House in February. Ramaphosa told journalists in Washington that he was hoping for 'really good' discussions with Trump and his administration. 'I'm looking forward to a really good and positive meeting, and we're looking forward to a very good outcome for our country, for our people, for the jobs in our country and good trade relations and [normalising] relations between our two countries.' Foreign policy Ramaphosa said he will also clarify South Africa's policy positions on a range of pressing geopolitical matters. 'We are going to have an opportunity to discuss geopolitical issues, not only Israel, but also Ukraine. So all these matters will be on the table for proper discussion, and we are very rational when it comes to discussing global and geopolitical matters. 'We will put South Africa's interests first, and our own foreign policy positions will be well clarified. So fear not,' Ramaphosa said. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa vs Trump: Here's what you need to know