Elon Musk is calling for the federal government to issue direct payments to Americans displaced by artificial intelligence, framing the proposal as a necessary response to what he sees as an inevitable wave of automation-driven unemployment.

In a post on X early Friday morning, Mr. Musk wrote that “Universal HIGH INCOME via checks issued by the Federal government is the best way to deal with unemployment caused by AI.” He added that AI and robotics would produce goods and services “far in excess of the increase in the money supply,” arguing the program would not trigger inflation.

The post drew more than 32 million views and 126,000 likes within hours of going up.

The proposal builds on the concept of universal basic income but goes further, envisioning substantially higher government payments rather than a minimal safety net, according to a report by Mandatory. Mr. Musk has argued that AI-driven productivity gains would outpace traditional economic constraints, theoretically enabling broad wealth distribution without destabilizing prices.

Reaction in the replies was swift and largely skeptical. Conservative commentator Justin T. Haskins called it “one of the worst ideas you’ve ever had,” warning that the plan would expand federal power over ordinary Americans. Influencer Richard Heart raised the prospect of the government withholding payments for political reasons. The Vigilant Fox argued the proposal fails to address the psychological toll of joblessness, writing that many workers derive a sense of purpose and meaning from their employment that no check can replace.