#USNationalDebt The U.S. national debt represents the total cumulative amount of money the federal government owes to its creditors, which include individuals, corporations, foreign governments, and even its own government agencies. As of May 2025, this figure stood at approximately $36.2 trillion, or roughly $106,000 per American.
This debt arises from persistent budget deficits, where government spending exceeds tax revenues. To cover this gap, the U.S. Treasury issues various securities like Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. While the ability to borrow allows the government to fund essential programs and services, a burgeoning debt raises concerns about rising interest payments, potential crowding out of private investment, and long-term fiscal sustainability. It also impacts the global financial landscape, given the U.S. dollar's role as the world's primary reserve currency.