#USNationalDebt The U.S. national debt is a significant and growing concern for the American economy. Here's a breakdown of its current status, historical trends, projections, and potential impacts:

Current Status (as of May/June 2025):

* Total Debt: The U.S. federal debt is approximately $36.2 trillion.

* Per Person: This amounts to roughly $106,000 per American.

* As a Percentage of GDP: The debt currently stands at about 122% of the country's annual economic output (GDP).

* Interest Payments: Interest payments on the debt are substantial, costing around $684 billion in the current fiscal year (2025), representing approximately 16% of every federal dollar spent. These payments are projected to exceed $1 trillion before the end of the decade.

Historical Trends:

* The U.S. has carried debt since its inception, with notable spikes during wars (e.g., American Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and II) and recessions (e.g., 2008 Great Recession, COVID-19 pandemic).

* The debt to GDP ratio reached its peak during and after World War II, then declined, but has been consistently increasing since the 1970s, with some exceptions.