The United States’ national debt has surpassed a record $40 trillion. The milestone is attributed to federal spending pressures including defense costs, social programs, and interest payments on a growing deficit.
WHO:United States
WHAT:National debt surpasses a record $40 trillion
WHEN:Reported Aug 20, 2026 at 12:38 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:Defense costs, social programs, and interest on the growing deficit make up a large share of federal spending.
How this story developed (showing 2 of 2 earlier reports)
