#USNationalDebt The US national debt is currently estimated to be around $36.56 trillion, with debt held by the public at approximately $29 trillion and intragovernmental holdings at $7.4 trillion. To put this into perspective, the debt per person in America is roughly $106,111. The national debt has been increasing over the years, primarily due to factors such as ¹ ²:

- *Demographics*: The aging baby-boom generation's retirement and increased longevity are putting pressure on federal programs like Social Security and Medicare.

- *Rising Healthcare Costs*: Healthcare expenses are growing rapidly, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the US economy.

- *Higher Interest Rates*: Increased interest rates are leading to higher interest payments on the national debt, making it more challenging to manage.

The US government's spending activities and investments are funded through a combination of tax revenues and borrowing. When spending exceeds revenue, budget deficits occur, contributing to the growth of the national debt. Some key areas of government spending include ³ ⁴:

- *Mandatory Spending Programs*: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are significant contributors to the national debt.

- *Net Interest Payments*: The government is paying substantial interest on its debt, which is becoming a major expense.

- *Defense and Security*: Military spending and disaster relief efforts also impact the national debt.

The national debt's sustainability is a concern, with potential implications for the US economy and global financial markets ¹.