#USNationalDebt The US national debt is approximately $36.2 trillion as of May 2025, with a per-person debt of around $106,000. This debt has been increasing over the years due to a mismatch between government spending and revenue. The debt-to-GDP ratio, which indicates a country's ability to pay its debt, currently stands at 121% ¹.

*Key Factors Contributing to the National Debt:*

- *Demographics*: The aging population and increased life expectancy put pressure on programs like Social Security and Medicare.

- *Rising Healthcare Costs*: Healthcare expenses account for a significant portion of the federal budget and are expected to continue growing.

- *Interest Payments*: As the national debt grows, so do interest payments, which can become a substantial burden on the government's finances ².

*Tracking the National Debt:*

The US Treasury Department provides daily updates on the national debt through the "Debt to the Penny" dataset. This dataset includes information on the total outstanding public debt and is updated at the end of each business day ³.

Keep in mind that the national debt is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including government policies, economic conditions, and demographic trends.