U.S. National Debt
Coverage of U.S. National Debt in the Nexus archive.
- The $39 trillion U.S. national debt isn’t as high as Japan’s and Singapore’s relative to economy size—and yet it’s still worse somehow
The U.S. national debt of $39 trillion is lower than Japan's 204% and Singapore's 172% debt-to-GDP ratios but higher in absolute terms than China's $18.7 trillion. Economists warn the U.S. is accumulating debt at $7 billion per day, reducing its ability to respond to recessions, while Japan's debt is structurally different due to domestic ownership and high household savings.
- Jamie Dimon won’t put more of his own money into the long end of the bond market right now—thanks to the $39 trillion national debt
Jamie Dimon, CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase, refuses to invest in long-dated U.S. Treasury bills due to concerns over a potential bond market crisis linked to the $39 trillion national debt. He criticizes policymakers for inaction on debt reduction and highlights risks from rising interest rates and inflation expectations affecting long-term Treasury yields.
- The national debt is over 100% of GDP and most of Congress is ignoring wishes to rein it in. It’s time to amend the Constitution
The U.S. national debt exceeds 100% of GDP at $31.68 trillion, with projections reaching 175% of GDP in 30 years. Historical data shows economic slowdowns when debt surpasses 90% of GDP, while 36.5% of 2025 individual income taxes will service debt, rising to 50.6% by 2036. Past fiscal controls like the Budget Enforcement Act and Gramm-Rudman-Hollings have failed, prompting calls for a constitutional amendment under Article V.
- Here's why universal basic income would be a disaster for America’s future
The article argues against universal basic income (UBI), claiming it undermines incentives by decoupling income from productivity and would be fiscally unsustainable due to the U.S.'s $40 trillion debt. It asserts that past technological revolutions created new jobs despite displacing others, and UBI assumes Americans cannot adapt to economic changes.
- I Now Believe Our National Debt Is a Problem
An economic adviser to President Biden acknowledges growing concerns over the U.S. national debt, which has reached 100% of GDP. The article highlights risks from higher deficits, rising interest rates, and a potential debt spiral, with a Stanford policy brief warning of escalating borrowing costs and fiscal challenges.
- House Republican calls national debt ‘ticking time bomb’
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) warned that the U.S. national debt, which exceeded 100% of GDP in Q1 2024, is a 'ticking time bomb' and urged lawmakers to take stronger action. The debt surpassing GDP marks a historic economic milestone.
- US debt exceeds 100 percent of GDP
The U.S. national debt surpassed 100% of GDP in March 2023, reaching 100.2%, with potential to exceed the post-WWII record of 106% of GDP. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported this data, highlighting concerns over rising debt levels.
- U.S. Debt Tops 100% of GDP
The U.S. national debt has surpassed 100% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), marking a significant milestone in fiscal policy. This development, reported by the Wall Street Journal, raises concerns about long-term economic stability and debt sustainability.
- America’s Bond-Market Privilege Is Disappearing as US Debt Soars
The United States is losing its bond-market privilege as rising national debt threatens to increase borrowing costs and destabilize the economy. Analysts warn that sustained debt growth could erode confidence in U.S. bonds, a cornerstone of global finance.