The US national debt has crossed the $39 trillion threshold for the first time, according to Treasury data. The amount underscores the conflicting priorities of President Trump's administration, writes the Associated Press.
The national debt of the United States has surpassed $39 trillion for the first time in history. This is evidenced by data from the country's Treasury Department, presented on Wednesday, March 18. The figure of $38 trillion was crossed at the end of October 2025, and the $37 trillion mark was reached in August of the same year, writes DW.
This unprecedented amount highlights the conflicting priorities of the administration of current President Donald Trump, writes the Associated Press, mentioning the extensive tax cut legislation, increased defense spending, and funding for immigration services. The rise in national debt means higher interest rates for Americans on mortgages and auto loans, reduced wages due to decreased financial resources for businesses, and increased prices for goods and services, explains the country's Government Accountability Office.
US National Debt May Exceed $40 Trillion Before Congressional Elections
"We must acknowledge this alarming rate of growth and the significant financial burden we are placing on the next generation," warned Michael Peterson, chairman of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. According to his estimates, at the current pace, the threshold of $40 trillion will be crossed before the elections for the House of Representatives and the Senate, expected in early November.
In recent years, the US national debt has shown rapid growth amid various geopolitical conflicts and wars, tax cuts, and extensive spending to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The war in Iran, in which the United States is involved, has already cost Washington more than $12 billion, calculated a few days earlier by Kevin Hassett, director of the US National Economic Council.
