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U.S. National Debt Nears $39 Trillion, Could Hit $100 Trillion

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. national debt is nearing $39 trillion, while fiscal economist Kent Smetters says the true figure could reach about $100 trillion due to accounting gaps.
He notes a gap between explicit debts and implicit obligations, especially from Social Security and Medicare.
The Treasury's report shows a 75-year unfunded shortfall of $73.2 trillion, signaling potential abrupt policy changes without reform.

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Story summary

The U.S. national debt is nearing $39 trillion, while fiscal economist Kent Smetters says the true figure could reach about $100 trillion due to accounting gaps.
He notes a gap between explicit debts and implicit obligations, especially from Social Security and Medicare.
The Treasury's report shows a 75-year unfunded shortfall of $73.2 trillion, signaling potential abrupt policy changes without reform.