Business

U.S. Debt Reaches Record $40 Trillion

Updated 2026-08-19 20:25 UTC 1 source Negative

The U.S. federal debt surpassed $40 trillion, leading to higher interest rates and increased borrowing costs for the public.

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NPR

The U.S. debt tops a record-shattering $40 trillion. Yes, with a T.

The federal debt reached $40 trillion as the government adds red ink at a rapid rate. That's leading nervous investors to demand higher interest rates —pushing up borrowing costs for everyone else.

2026-08-19 20:09 UTC