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U.S. National Debt Hits $39 Trillion, Soars Higher

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. national debt surpassed $39 trillion on March 17, 2026.
Rising spending on Social Security and Medicare, along with higher interest costs, contributed to the debt increase, according to Michael A. Peterson of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
The Congressional Budget Office forecasts deficits rising from $1.9 trillion to $3.1 trillion over the next decade.
The debt would reach $63 trillion by 2036, and debt-to-GDP would exceed 120%.

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Story summary

The U.S. national debt surpassed $39 trillion on March 17, 2026.
Rising spending on Social Security and Medicare, along with higher interest costs, contributed to the debt increase, according to Michael A. Peterson of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
The Congressional Budget Office forecasts deficits rising from $1.9 trillion to $3.1 trillion over the next decade.
The debt would reach $63 trillion by 2036, and debt-to-GDP would exceed 120%.