FedEx Founder Fred Smith Joins Other Business Leaders Sounding the Alarm Over Worsening US National Debt

By Giuliano De Leon

Feb 15, 2024 09:45 AM EST

FedEx founder Fred Smith (Frederick W. Smith) joined other business leaders in the U.S. who are sounding the alarm over the worsening national debt.

FedEx Founder Fred Smith Joins Other Business Leaders Sounding the Alarm Over Worsening US National Debt
(Photo : MUNOZ ALVAREZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Frederick Wallace Smith, founder, chairman, president, and CEO of FedEx arrives at the Trump Tower for meetings with US President-elect Donald Trump, in New York on November 17, 2016.

During a "Special Report" interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Feb. 13, the show's host Bret Baier asked Smith, also the executive chairman of FedEx, about his opinion on the U.S. government's federal debt.

FedEx Founder Fred Smith's Take on Worsening US National Debt

When asked about his opinion on the U.S. national debt, which is now over $34 trillion, FedEx founder Fred Smith said it is no longer sustainable.

"Federal debt held by the public was 97% of GDP in 2022, projected to equal 195% of GDP by 2050. Eventually, you have to turn the aircraft carrier a little bit," said the host.

Fred Smith agreed, saying that he thinks many people are also saying that.

"The head of our largest bank, I believe, JP Morgan, Jamie Dimon, has said it repeatedly, and hopefully I'm adding to the chorus and saying this is unsustainable," answered the FedEx executive chairman.

Fred Smith also shared what factors he thinks contribute to America's worsening national debt. He added that through trade, the U.S. was able to open the world and restore even its enemy countries, such as Germany and Japan.

The FedEx official claimed that the U.S. was able to do these through trade and the American alliance. Unfortunately, Smith said that "no one is supporting trade."

Read Also: Joe Biden Is Cutting Pentagon's F-35 Jet Order 18% in 2025 Budget Request: Report

Current Status of US National Debt

According to CNN Business, the U.S. national debt reached $34 trillion for the first time, as revealed by the latest data published by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said this record-high national debt would most likely reach a massive $54 trillion by 2034.

Among the factors that can cause this are rising federal healthcare costs and the aging population in America.

Related Article: US Congress Negotiators Strike Deal on 12 Government Spending Bills 

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