01.05.2026 11:25
The US national debt has reached $31.27 trillion, surpassing the GDP of $31.22 trillion and rising to 100.2 percent. This marks the first time since World War II that debt has exceeded the economy. Experts describe the situation as a 'strong warning,' cautioning that debt could slow growth and increase interest rates and inflation. Fitch also noted that rising debt poses a risk to the credit rating.
The national debt of the USA has surpassed the size of the country's economy. According to the latest data, public debt exceeded 100% of gross domestic product, crossing a critical threshold.
DEBT REACHES 31.27 TRILLION DOLLARS
According to data released by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), as of March 31, US public debt rose to 31.27 trillion dollars. During the same period, the country's annual nominal GDP was calculated at 31.22 trillion dollars. Thus, the debt-to-national income ratio rose to 100.2%.
“A STRONG ALARM” WARNING
CRFB President Maya MacGuineas described the development as a "strong alarm." Emphasizing that debt is now larger than the economy, MacGuineas stated that this level has reached approximately twice the historical average. MacGuineas argued that the current trend stems from delays in political decisions.
RECORD LEVEL ON THE HORIZON
A warning was issued that the debt ratio could exceed the post-World War II record level of 106%. However, it was noted that this time the increase is due to a lack of fiscal discipline, not a global crisis.
ECONOMIC RISKS INCREASING
Experts stated that rising debt negatively affects economic prosperity. It was expressed that high debt increases interest rates, slows growth, and raises inflation pressure. It was noted that to solve the problem, debt growth must be stopped and a budget deficit reduction of approximately 10 trillion dollars is needed.
CREDIT RATING WARNING FROM FITCH
International credit rating agency Fitch Ratings also drew attention to the US's growing debt burden. The agency reported that high budget deficits pose a risk to the country's credit rating and that the fiscal outlook could further deteriorate in the coming years. It was stated that the US's total gross debt, including intragovernmental obligations, is around 39 trillion dollars.