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US debt crosses $40 trillion threshold after doubling under Trump and Biden

Interest payments have topped $1 trillion and now rank second in the federal budget, intensifying warnings about rising borrowing costs and fiscal strain.

  • 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.
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Lean Right

U.S. public debt surged past $40 trillion for the first time amid concerns over the country's fiscal position, following rising social welfare spending and debt interest.

Lean Right

Tax exemptions, the customs gate and the Iran war: Trump's fiscal policy continues to lead the US into debt. Economists warn of a tipping point. But even in Germany, the concern for a new debt crisis is rising.

·Berlin, Germany
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Reuters broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
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