#USNationalDebt As of mid-2025, the U.S. national debt is over $34 trillion, and it continues to rise. This debt includes:

Debt held by the public: Money the U.S. government owes to outside investors, including individuals, corporations, and foreign governments (about 70% of the total).

Intragovernmental holdings: Debt the government owes itself, mostly through programs like Social Security and Medicare trust funds.

Key Drivers of the Debt

Deficit spending: The government spends more than it collects in taxes.

Interest payments: As debt grows, so do the interest payments.

Entitlement programs: Spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid continues to rise with an aging population.

Military spending: A major portion of discretionary spending.

Tax cuts and stimulus packages: These reduce revenue or increase outlays.

Current Concerns

Rising interest rates: These increase the cost of servicing the debt.

Potential credit rating impacts: The U.S. has faced credit rating downgrades in the past over debt concerns.

Crowding out: High debt levels may crowd out private investment over time.

Context

Despite the size of the debt, the U.S. remains able to borrow at scale due to the strength of the dollar and global trust in U.S. Treasury securities. However, long-term fiscal sustainability is a growing topic of debate among economists and policymakers.