Story perspectives
US Debt Servicing Costs Skyrocket, Threatening Federal Priorities
3/3/2026
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Story summary
- The United States now spends about $970 billion annually to service its $38.8 trillion national debt, a level that has tripled since 2020 and now exceeds defense and Medicaid spending.
- By 2036, interest costs could reach $2.1 trillion, about one-quarter of federal revenue.
- By 2047, interest payments are projected to surpass Social Security.
- Rising costs would crowd out other priorities and require a deficit plan Washington has not yet proposed.
