#USNationalDebt

Total U.S. federal debt stands at approximately **$36.2 trillion **, combining debt held by the public and intragovernmental holdings .

That’s roughly 121–124% of GDP, meaning the government owes more than its total annual economic output .

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What Makes It Grow

The debt increases because annual budget deficits occur when the government spends more than it earns via taxes, leading to new borrowing .

Major contributors include:

Pandemic relief, wars, tax cuts, and social programs.

Aging population boosting Social Security & Medicare costs .