The U.S. national debt has surpassed $34.7 trillion, raising alarms among economists and policymakers. Driven by persistent budget deficits, rising interest payments, and expansive spending on entitlement programs and defense, the debt continues to climb. The Congressional Budget Office warns that without structural fiscal reforms, the debt-to-GDP ratio could reach record highs in the coming decades. Higher interest rates are compounding the issue, with annual interest payments now rivaling military spending. Political gridlock has made bipartisan solutions elusive, deepening concerns about long-term economic stability. While the U.S. retains global trust in its creditworthiness, the mounting debt poses serious risks to growth, inflation control, and future federal budget flexibility.