The United States’ gross national debt has officially crossed the $37 trillion threshold, according to the latest data from the Treasury Department, marking a historic high that arrived years ahead of pre-pandemic projections.
This surge, reported as $37,004,817,625,842.56, underscores a rapid escalation in federal borrowing driven by a combination of pandemic-era stimulus, recent legislative spending, and ongoing fiscal imbalances.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in January 2020 forecasted that the gross debt would not exceed $37 trillion until after fiscal year 2030.
However, aggressive government responses to the COVID-19 crisis under both the Trump and Biden administrations accelerated this timeline, with additional contributions from the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” under President Trump’s second term, projected to add over $4 trillion to the debt over the next decade.
The debt’s growth has been staggering, hitting trillion-dollar markers at an increasingly brisk pace.
Below is a table summarizing key recent milestones based on Treasury and fiscal monitoring data:
| Milestone | Date Achieved | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $34 Trillion | January 2024 | Preceded by pandemic stimulus packages. |
| $35 Trillion | July 2024 | Amid rising interest rates and borrowing needs. |
| $36 Trillion | November 2024 | Reflecting continued deficit spending. |
| $37 Trillion | August 2025 | Current high, with daily additions averaging $22 billion since recent legislation. |
This trajectory shows the debt increasing by approximately $1 trillion every 100-120 days in recent years, a rate that fiscal experts describe as unsustainable.
The debt is now equivalent to over 120% of the U.S. GDP and surpasses the combined economies of China and the 20-country Eurozone.
Causes and Contributors
The pandemic played a pivotal role, prompting trillions in stimulus under former President Trump and President Biden.
This year, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act“—supported by President Trump and most GOP lawmakers—extended tax cuts, boosted military and border spending, and introduced new Medicaid eligibility rules.
Critics, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who voted against the bill, highlighted its role in pushing the debt past $37 trillion.
Massie, one of only two House Republicans to oppose it, noted on X: “Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the debt just officially passed the $37 trillion mark.”
President Trump defends the policies, emphasizing potential economic growth from the bill and his tariff strategy.
Tariff revenues have reached nearly $130 billion this year—more than double last year’s collections—following escalations on dozens of countries.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated: “It has been proven, that even at this late stage, Tariffs have not caused Inflation, or any other problems for America, other than massive amounts of CASH pouring into our Treasury’s coffers.”
Supporters argue these measures will offset deficits through boosted economic activity.
However, detractors contend that tariffs act as a tax on American importers and consumers, potentially stifling growth.
On X, user Rishi Bagree linked higher tariffs to inflation risks, noting: “Higher Tariffs leads to higher inflation.
Higher inflation means no rate cuts or may be rate hikes.
US bond yields hardens leading to higher interest outgo on $37 trillion debt.”
Bipartisan concerns are evident. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) posted on X: “Our nation is $37 TRILLION dollars in debt, we are approaching another September 30th government funding deadline… and we are out on recess until September 2nd.”
She criticized the lack of action on appropriations, warning of potential continuing resolutions that neglect infrastructure and community needs.
Fiscal Impacts
Interest on the debt is now a major budgetary strain, projected to reach $1 trillion this year alone—surpassing spending on defense and Medicare.
Annual interest payments hover around $1.3 trillion, consuming over 25% of government revenue from taxes, tariffs, and fees.
The debt grows by about $59,361.77 per second, per congressional monitors.
Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, warned: “Spending and revenue are woefully out of balance — to the tune of nearly $2 trillion annually and rising — and instead of addressing this imbalance, Congress keeps choosing to make things worse.”
Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, added: “The national debt soaring past $37 trillion sends yet another clear message about America’s unsustainable fiscal path.”
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) deems the trajectory unsustainable, potentially leading to higher borrowing costs, stagnant wages, and elevated prices.
On X, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) posted: “BREAKING: National debt just hit $37 TRILLION.
Not just a number but a bill our kids can’t afford to pay,” though a community note faulted her for supporting the recent bill.
Broader Perspectives
Public sentiment on X reflects widespread anxiety.
User Wall Street Mav noted: “$37 trillion in debt.
US govt annual interest payments = $1.3 trillion.
How long until something breaks?”
Another post from Abhi warned: “America just crossed $36 trillion in national debt.
That’s over $100,000 per citizen & growing by $1 trillion every 100 days.
No empire in history has survived this level of debt and spending.”
Critics from the left and right, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), have joined calls for fiscal restraint.
House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) sounded the alarm, sharing a chart of debt growth from $1 trillion in 1982 to $37 trillion today.
Pew Research Center highlights that annual deficits continue to fuel the debt, now nearing $37 trillion as of August 8, 2025.
Economists warn of risks to national security, as foreign nations hold significant U.S. treasuries.
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