#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 ¹:

- *Total Federal Debt*: $36.56 trillion

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

- *Intragovernmental Debt*: $7.4 trillion

This substantial debt has significant implications:

- *Annualized Cost*: The cost of servicing this debt was $726 billion in July 2023, accounting for 14% of total federal spending.

- *Interest Payments*: Interest on the debt has crossed $1 trillion, with daily interest payments of around $3 billion.

- *GDP Ratio*: The debt-to-GDP ratio has consistently increased since the 1980s, except during the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.

The growing national debt is attributed to various factors ²:

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

- *Rising Healthcare Costs*: Healthcare expenses are a significant portion of the budget and are growing rapidly.

- *Higher Interest Rates*: Increased interest rates lead to higher debt servicing costs.

Potential consequences of unchecked national debt growth include ³:

- *Higher Interest Rates*: Increased debt issuance could lead to higher interest rates.

- *Unsustainable Debt Burden*: The national debt may become unsustainable, saddling future generations with significant financial obligations.

To stay updated on the national debt, you can visit the US Treasury's website, which provides daily updates on the debt ⁴.