US debt crosses $40 trillion threshold after doubling under Trump and Biden
Treasury data show interest costs climbed 15% in the first 10 months of fiscal 2026, intensifying warnings about the government’s borrowing path.
- U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time, marking a doubling from roughly $19.95 trillion in 2017 and underscoring the rapid expansion of federal borrowing.
- Both the Trump and Biden administrations oversaw major increases in the debt, with Reuters estimating that Trump’s terms have added about $11.6 trillion and Biden’s presidency about $8.4 trillion, alongside pandemic spending and persistent budget deficits.
- Rising interest costs and spending on Social Security and health programs are putting increasing pressure on the federal budget, with interest payments now exceeding Medicare spending as an expense.
- Economists and fiscal watchdogs are warning that continued deficits could create greater financial risks, while weaker demand for U.S. government bonds and higher long-term Treasury yields are adding to concerns about the country’s fiscal outlook.
227 Articles
227 Articles
The US government deficit has more than doubled since the 2008 financial crisis and now accounts for almost 125% of US gross domestic product (GDP). The phenomenon is accelerating as a result of Donald Trump's policy.
US gross national debt passes 40 trillion dollars for the first time
The gross public debt of the United States reached 40.047 trillion dollars on Tuesday, according to data released by the Treasury Department. It is the first time the figure has crossed that threshold, and it has arrived earlier than expected: the Congressional Budget Office had projected 39.4 trillion by the end of fiscal 2026 and placed the jump to 40 trillion in 2027.
US National Debt Tops $40 Trillion for First Time, Raising Fresh Fiscal Concerns
The United States’ national debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time in history, marking a new milestone that is intensifying concerns about the country’s long-term fiscal outlook and the rising cost of servicing federal debt. The latest figures released by the US Treasury Department show total federal debt reached $40.047 trillion on Tuesday. Of that amount, about $32.2 trillion is debt held by the public through Treasury securities o…
The US's public debt is rising faster than expected. Experts warn of a dangerous debt spiral.
For the first time, US sovereign debt exceeds $40 trillion. Experts warn of rising interest rates and an imminent recession.
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