#USNationalDebt
The current US national debt stands at approximately $36.2 trillion, as of May 2025. To put that into perspective, that's roughly $106,000 per person in the US. The national debt has been increasing over the years, with a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the debt-to-GDP ratio has surpassed 100%, currently standing at 121% as of Q1 2025.
*Key Factors Contributing to the Growing National Debt:*
- *Demographics*: The aging baby-boom generation and increased life expectancy are putting pressure on the federal budget, particularly on programs like Social Security and Medicare.
- *Rising Healthcare Costs*: The US healthcare system is the most expensive in the world, and rising costs are contributing to the growing national debt.
- *Inadequate Revenues*: The US tax system doesn't generate enough revenue to cover the spending promises made by policymakers, leading to higher annual deficits and mounting debt.
*Impact of the National Debt:*
- *Interest Payments*: The interest on the national debt is growing rapidly, with the government spending over $2.6 billion per day on interest payments. In fact, interest payments are expected to nearly double in the next ten years.
- *Burden on Future Economy*: The growing national debt and interest payments will likely hinder the future economy and limit resources available for investing in a stronger, more resilient future.