Jim Rogers: US Debt Will Bring the “Worst Crisis of My Lifetime”

Legendary investor and author Jim Rogers joined The Deep Dive for an in-depth conversation on global markets, U.S. tariffs under President Trump, and the future of gold, silver, and China’s economy.

In his signature candid style, Rogers discussed the unpredictable nature of Trump’s trade policies, why he’s holding precious metals for the long haul, and the advice he would give to a young investor today.

Watch the full interview below, or read on for the key takeaways.

Trump’s Tariffs and Market Volatility

Rogers opened by weighing in on President Trump’s aggressive tariff approach in his second term.

Unlike past leaders with a clear guiding philosophy, Rogers described Trump as unpredictable—making decisions based on media influence rather than long-term strategy. This unpredictability, he said, makes it challenging for investors to anticipate policy moves.

With U.S. tariffs on European products jumping from an average of 1.5% to 15%, Rogers warned that such policies could slow the economy, triggering the need for stimulus or money printing to fill the gap.

If economic conditions worsen, he expects Trump to take dramatic action—possibly including large-scale monetary expansion.

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Gold, Silver, and the Case for Commodities

A long-time precious metals bull, Rogers reiterated that he has never sold his gold or silver holdings and intends to pass them to his children. Recently, he’s added more silver, citing its lower price relative to its historical highs.

• Gold: Currently at record levels.
• Silver: Historically undervalued compared to gold, with more upside potential.

Rogers believes everyone should own both metals as a form of insurance, and he sees better opportunities in commodities overall compared to U.S. stocks, which are trading at all-time highs.

AI: Disruption and Opportunity

While not claiming to be an AI expert, Rogers acknowledged that artificial intelligence will transform industries, creating both immense wealth and massive job displacement. He likened it to previous technological revolutions—electricity, radio, and computers—that disrupted the old economy while opening new frontiers for those prepared.

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U.S. Debt, Market Risks, and the Dollar’s Future

Rogers expressed deep concern over the U.S. stock market’s historic 15-year bull run without a major correction, combined with ballooning national debt. He fears the next downturn could be the worst in his lifetime.

On the U.S. dollar, Rogers believes it will likely strengthen in the next crisis but eventually lose its status as the world’s reserve currency. The challenge, he said, is identifying the next global currency—China’s yuan is a candidate, but its lack of full convertibility remains a major obstacle.

China’s Economic Rise

Rogers is bullish on China, noting it is the only nation in history to rise to global prominence multiple times. He still holds Chinese shares and is preparing his children for the future by having them learn Mandarin. Whether the West likes it or not, he said, China will be a dominant player in the 21st century.

Advice to Young Investors

If he could advise a younger version of himself today, Rogers would say:

“Learn Chinese—read it, write it, speak it. Learn about Asia, especially its markets, because in your lifetime Asia is going to be extremely important. That’s where the money, the brains, and the population are.”

Bottom line:
Rogers’ message was part caution, part opportunity.

Between rising tariffs, the potential for severe market corrections, and geopolitical power shifts toward Asia, he believes now is the time to own precious metals, understand commodities, and prepare for a world where China plays a central role.