U.S. Debt Hits $38 Trillion for the First Time - Economists Sound Alarm

The United States has officially crossed **$38 trillion in national debt** — the highest in history. That’s **$500 billion added in just one month**, or about **$23 billion every single day**. Total U.S. debt including government, household, and corporate is now **$98.8 trillion**, roughly **324% of GDP**. Economists warn this rapid debt growth could push the country toward long-term financial trouble as interest costs climb. The federal government spent **$1.21 trillion** on interest payments this year alone, nearly **17% of all federal spending**. Experts say rising rates and continuous borrowing are squeezing out investments and increasing pressure on American families. Both parties have contributed to the soaring debt, and analysts argue the U.S. needs serious structural reforms to avoid deeper economic risks in the future.