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U.S. Debt Surges Past $39 Trillion Amid War Costs

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. national debt has surpassed $39 trillion, drawing scrutiny of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration amid the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.
Weeks into the conflict, the milestone highlights the challenge of balancing tax reform, defense spending, and immigration enforcement with debt reduction.
The Government Accountability Office warns rising debt raises borrowing costs and prices, while economic adviser Kevin Hassett says the war has already cost over $12 billion.

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Story summary

The U.S. national debt has surpassed $39 trillion, drawing scrutiny of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration amid the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.
Weeks into the conflict, the milestone highlights the challenge of balancing tax reform, defense spending, and immigration enforcement with debt reduction.
The Government Accountability Office warns rising debt raises borrowing costs and prices, while economic adviser Kevin Hassett says the war has already cost over $12 billion.