US national debt exceeds $40 trillion — govt data
Business
Finance
August 19, 2026
Share this article
Click to view full size
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The United States’ (US) gross national debt has surged past $40 trillion, government data showed Wednesday, outstripping earlier forecasts at a pace fuelled in part by President Donald Trump’s invalidated tariffs.
The uptick in borrowing comes as longer-term US obligations linked to social security and health care have been growing, while interest payments have climbed as well.
Total public debt outstanding stood at $40.05 trillion at the close of business Tuesday, according to data released by the Treasury Department on Wednesday.
Business
Finance
Need the bigger picture?
Share this article
Comments (0)
Download our mobile app
The portable companion to gazettE. Get notifications, track read articles, and more. The latest news from Trinidad and Tobago, in one place.
