Wouldn't it be better to have interest rates match the natural interest rate? People paying for loans can't afford the rate payment, so these payments should be lowered to reflect the ability to pay back the loan (including into negative territory). If you're the U.S. Government, you're essentially telling capital surplus holders, "You can keep you large hordes of money here, but it'll cost you 1% a year."

And if you want to take out a loan, it'll still be a risk, since you'll need to make the principle payments, but you'd get a tailwind on the interest paid to you.

I'd be happy to learn where I'm wrong if you have any insight.