U.S. national debt now stands at $40 trillion

The U.S. national debt has reached a record $40 trillion, driven by defence costs, social programmes like Social Security and Medicare, and interest on the deficit. This milestone, achieved in August 2026, highlights the challenges of federal spending and its impact on the economy, including rising borrowing costs, lower wages, and more expensive goods. Experts warn of an unsustainable fiscal trajectory, with potential for crisis due to factors like AI disruption, recession, or global conflict. The article also mentions the statutory debt limit, which Congress must address, and notes that the U.S. fiscal position is the worst among developed countries according to OECD data.