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Powell Warns U.S. Debt Growth Unsustainable, Urges Action

3/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told a Harvard class that the U.S. debt of $39 trillion is manageable now but its trajectory is unsustainable.
He urged lawmakers to act urgently because debt growth is outpacing economic growth.
Powell advocated pursuing a primary balance rather than outright debt reduction.
Powell's term ends in May 2026.

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Story summary

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told a Harvard class that the U.S. debt of $39 trillion is manageable now but its trajectory is unsustainable.
He urged lawmakers to act urgently because debt growth is outpacing economic growth.
Powell advocated pursuing a primary balance rather than outright debt reduction.
Powell's term ends in May 2026.