#USNationalDebt

The growing debt of the United States is the result of a simple mathematical operation: each year there is a mismatch between spending and income.

When the federal government spends more than it takes in, it has to borrow to cover that annual deficit. And each year, the deficit adds to our growing national debt.

Historically, the largest deficits were caused by increased spending around national emergencies, such as major wars or the Great Depression.

Today, deficits are mainly due to predictable structural factors: the aging of the baby boomer generation, rising healthcare costs, higher interest rates, and a tax system that does not generate enough revenue to cover the government's promises to its citizens. Looking ahead, it will be crucial for American leaders to address the rising debt and its structural factors, which are described below.