#USNationalDebt

The U.S. national debt is the total amount of money the federal government owes to creditors. As of 2025, it exceeds \$34 trillion, driven by spending on defense, healthcare, Social Security, and interest payments. The debt accumulates when the government runs annual budget deficits, meaning it spends more than it collects in revenue. While borrowing can stimulate economic growth during downturns, persistent high debt raises concerns about long-term sustainability. Interest payments on the debt are growing rapidly, crowding out other spending priorities. Economists debate how much debt is too much, but most agree reforms are needed to address the structural drivers of U.S. deficits.