The US gross national debt tops $40 trillion for the first time, according to the US Treasury Department. The latest figures show $40.047tn as of Tuesday afternoon, setting a new record.
The milestone reflects years of federal borrowing tied to budget deficits. Reporting from multiple outlets says the government deficit has doubled over the past decade, and that higher spending has continued across administrations. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers react sharply, with accounts emphasizing that outrage comes from different political perspectives rather than a single party.
Outlets also frame the development in the context of long-running fiscal trends rather than a single policy change. Coverage notes that spending growth occurred during the periods associated with both Donald Trump and Joe Biden, highlighting continuity in the debt increase even as political parties differ on causes and remedies. The Treasury update therefore becomes a focal point for broader debate over US government finances.
