#USNationalDebt The U.S. national debt is the total amount the federal government owes to creditors, currently exceeding $34 trillion. It accumulates when government spending surpasses revenue, often due to military costs, social programs, and interest on existing debt. A portion is held by the public, including foreign governments, while the rest is intragovernmental. High debt can lead to increased borrowing costs, reduced public investment, and economic uncertainty. While some argue that borrowing boosts economic growth during downturns, sustained deficits may burden future generations. Addressing the debt requires difficult policy decisions, such as cutting spending, raising taxes, or reforming entitlement programs. The national debt remains a critical and often debated issue in U.S. economic and political discourse.