The US national debt reached an unprecedented $40 trillion, driven by defense spending, social programs, and Trump-era tariffs and deficits fueling the fiscal strain.
As inflation has pushed interest rates higher, the cost of servicing the national debt has also increased
Aug 20, 2026
10:33 am
What's the storyThe United States' national debt has surpassed the $40 trillion mark for the first time in history, according to government data.
The milestone was reached on Wednesday, just five months after the US hit a record $39 trillion debt in March.
The US national debt has crossed the $40 trillion mark for the first time, according to Treasury data showed on Wednesday. The…
US national debt has crossed $40 trillion for the first time, raising concerns over borrowing costs, federal spending, deficits…
WASHINGTON -- The US national debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time in history, according to data released by the…
Total public debt outstanding stood at US$40.05 trillion, in contrast to an earlier forecast by the Congressional Budget Office…
The US gross national debt surpassed $40 trillion for the first time, Treasury data showed on Wednesday, exceeding earlier…
The US national debt has topped $40 trillion for the first time, the Treasury Department said on Wednesday, drawing fresh…
