National debt crosses $40 trillion in grim milestone

National debt crosses $40 trillion 

The U.S. national debt crossed $40 trillion on Tuesday, according to newly released data from the Treasury Department. It marks a key milestone for the U.S., which has seen its total outstanding debt double over less than a decade. This sum first crossed the $20 trillion mark in late 2017 and reached $39 trillion just…

Trump Treasury Secretary Flails as National Debt Passes $40 Trillion

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tried in vain to spin the country’s astronomical $40 trillion debt on CNBC Thursday. Speaking to the network’s Sara Eisen, Bessent admitted that he didn’t know when the Iran war would end, but that things were otherwise going well with the economy despite the soaring national debt and increasing deficit. “This Iran…

US National Debt on Brink of Passing $40 Trillion | Balance of Power: Late Edition 08/18/2026

"Balance of Power: Late Edition" focuses on the intersection of politics and global business. On today's show, Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York discusses her legislation aimed at raising the capital gains tax exclusion for seniors selling longtime homes. Kareem Crayton, vice president of the Brennan Center's Washington, DC office, raises…

Washington's $40 Trillion Debt Milestone

The US national debt now stands at $40 trillion

The U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, raising concerns about spending, borrowing costs and America’s economic future.

It took 200 years to reach $1 trillion in national debt. 2026 said, 'Hold my beer.'

The U.S. national debt stood at roughly $85.06 billion at the turn of the 20th century, adjusted for inflation. At the turn of the 21st century, America's outstanding debt was $5.67 trillion — the equivalent of roughly $10.99 trillion today.According to the Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service's Fiscal Data dashboard, America's…