AI Is Printing Money—And Nuclear Power Is the Secret Fuel Behind It

In this forward-looking discussion, Christian Briggs, economic guest on NTD News, breaks down what he sees as a powerful shift underway in the U.S. economy—one driven by massive investment in AI infrastructure, energy independence, and strategic policy decisions that could reshape growth for years to come.The conversation begins with a key data point: business equipment orders hitting their highest level since 2020—a signal that companies are aggressively investing again. Briggs interprets this as a strong indicator that the economy is more resilient than many expected, even amid global uncertainty. At the center of this surge is artificial intelligence. Major tech companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta are pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into building massive data centers—some spanning hundreds of acres. These investments, Briggs explains, are not just about technology—they’re fueling job creation, economic growth, and long-term infrastructure development.While some sectors like housing and hospitality show signs of slowing, Briggs argues that overall momentum remains strong. He credits a mix of tax cuts, deregulation, and private sector spending for helping stabilize growth and potentially pushing GDP higher in the coming quarters.A major theme in the discussion is energy—specifically, the critical role it will play in supporting the AI boom. Briggs emphasizes that traditional energy sources may not be sufficient to meet future demand. Instead, he points to nuclear energy as the next major frontier, highlighting recent deals between tech giants and nuclear providers as evidence of where the industry is headed.This shift toward nuclear energy is framed as both an economic and strategic advantage. Not only does it provide consistent and scalable power for data centers, but it also strengthens U.S. energy independence—particularly in the context of global tensions and conflicts like the situation in Iran.Briggs also connects these developments to broader investment opportunities. He suggests that sectors tied to energy infrastructure—especially nuclear—and materials like platinum and palladium could benefit significantly as demand grows. For investors, this represents a potential long-term play tied directly to technological expansion.Despite ongoing geopolitical risks, including instability in the Middle East, Briggs remains optimistic. He believes that once major uncertainties are resolved, markets could respond positively, with lower interest rates and stronger equity performance.The overall message is one of cautious optimism: while challenges remain, the combination of AI-driven investment, energy innovation, and economic policy could create a powerful growth cycle—one that impacts everything from job markets to global competitiveness.