At a recent panel discussion with the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon highlighted a looming crisis: the escalating US debt and its potential to trigger turmoil in global markets. Dimon’s warning paints a grim picture of the future if the situation remains unaddressed.

Currently, the US debt-to-GDP ratio is hovering around 120%, and Dimon forecasts this figure to reach a staggering 130% by 2035. He likens the trajectory to a hockey stick chart, which starts flat but spikes dramatically. This analogy underscores the urgency of the problem, with Dimon cautioning that once the debt starts to spiral, global markets will likely experience a significant upheaval.

The US national debt has surpassed $34 trillion, posing risks not just domestically but also internationally. This is because foreign investors hold a substantial portion of this debt — $7.6 trillion — with Japan, China, the UK, Luxembourg, and Canada being major stakeholders.

Dimon reminisces about a time when the fiscal situation in the US was more manageable, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of around 35% during his high school days. He points out the stark contrast with today’s scenario, where the federal deficit in a booming economy is significantly higher than it was during recession periods in the past.

The growing concern is not just about the sheer size of the debt but the increasing cost to service it. The Congressional Budget Office warns that debt servicing could exceed the government’s total revenue by 2030. JPMorgan has previously described this as a “boiling frog” situation, where gradual changes become critical threats.

Dimon emphasizes that this crisis extends beyond financial implications. The rising interest payments could potentially overshadow other crucial areas of government spending. He stresses the importance of a stronger military and a more robust America, highlighting the broader implications of the debt crisis for global security and stability.

For investors and entrepreneurs, Dimon’s warning is a clarion call to closely monitor the US fiscal situation. The potential repercussions of the burgeoning debt not only impact the American economy but also have far-reaching effects on the global financial landscape. As the debt issue continues to simmer, it becomes increasingly crucial for market participants to stay informed and prepared for the possible “rebellion” that could reshape global markets.