U.S. National Debt Surpasses $36 Trillion for the First Time

The unprecedented milestone highlights growing fiscal challenges as interest payments and deficits soar.

The U.S. gross national debt has exceeded $36 trillion, just four months after crossing the $35 trillion mark in July 2024.
Debt held by the public, a key economic indicator, is projected to reach 99% of the U.S. GDP by the end of this year, with further increases expected.
Interest payments on the debt are now the fastest-growing federal expense, projected to total $13 trillion over the next decade.
Experts warn that federal budget deficits, driven by rising interest rates and mandatory spending programs like Social Security and Medicare, are worsening fiscal instability.
The milestone comes as policymakers face critical fiscal deadlines in 2025, including expiring tax cuts and a looming fight over the debt limit.