#USNationalDebt The US national debt is a pressing concern, currently standing at approximately $36.56 trillion as of March 6, 2025. To break it down:

- *Debt Held by the Public*: $29 trillion

- *Intragovernmental Holdings*: $7.4 trillion

The national debt has been increasing steadily, with notable spikes during times of war, recession and pandemics. Some key factors contributing to this growth include¹ ²:

- *Aging Demographics*: The retiring baby-boom generation puts pressure on programs like Social Security and Medicare

- *Rising Healthcare Costs*: Healthcare expenses are a significant portion of the federal budget and continue to grow

- *Inadequate Revenues*: The tax system doesn't generate enough revenue to cover spending, leading to higher deficits

The consequences of a growing national debt are far-reaching:

- *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

To track the national debt in real-time, you can visit the US Treasury's website, which provides daily updates on the debt.³