#USNationalDebt

The US national debt is a pressing concern, currently standing at approximately $36.56 trillion as of March 6, 2025. To put this into perspective, that's around $106,109 for every single person in America.

*Key Factors Contributing to the National Debt:*

- *Demographics*: The aging baby-boom generation and increased life expectancy are putting pressure on federal programs like Social Security and Medicare.

- *Rising Healthcare Costs*: The US healthcare system is the most expensive in the world, and its rapid growth is impacting the federal budget.

- *Inadequate Revenues*: The US tax system doesn't generate enough revenue to cover promised spending, leading to higher deficits and mounting debt.

*Consequences of the National Debt:*

- *Interest Payments*: The government spends over $2.6 billion daily on interest, which is the fastest-growing part of the federal budget.

- *Reduced Investment*: Rising interest payments divert resources away from essential investments in areas like education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

- *Long-term Sustainability*: The Congressional Budget Office projects that debt held by the public will reach 116% of GDP by 2034 and continue to grow if current laws remain unchanged ¹ ².

*Projections and Concerns:*

- The CBO estimates that federal debt will rise from 99% of GDP in 2024 to 172% in 2054.

- The Treasury Department projects that interest payments on the debt will continue to grow, potentially hindering economic growth and stability.

- The growing national debt poses significant risks to the US economy, including reduced investment, higher interest rates, and decreased ability to respond to future crises ².