#USNationalDebt

The US national debt has reached an unprecedented $36.2 trillion as of May 2025, a 2% increase from May 2024 and a 31% surge since 2019. This staggering figure represents 122% of the nation's annual economic output (GDP), raising significant concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability.

This mounting debt is driven by consistent budget deficits, fueled by factors like an aging population, rising healthcare costs, and interest payments on existing debt. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects the debt to continue growing, reaching 118% of GDP by 2035.

The economic implications are substantial. High debt can "crowd out" private investment by increasing interest rates, making it more expensive for businesses to borrow and expand. It also diverts a growing portion of federal spending towards interest payments, potentially reducing funds available for essential public investments in infrastructure, education, and research. This trajectory risks slower economic growth, reduced wages, and a higher chance of fiscal instability if left unaddressed.