National Debt Accelerates to $38 Trillion

Thursday, October 23, 2025

The U.S. national debt has surged past $38 trillion, according to the U.S. Treasury Department, just two months after surpassing previous forecasts to reach $37 trillion in August.

Posted by Corky at 10:33 PM | 49 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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In the midst of a federal government shutdown, the U.S. government's gross national debt surpassed $38 trillion Wednesday, a record number that highlights the accelerating accumulation of debt on America's balance sheet. https://to.pbs.org/3Wksib6

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-- PBS News (@pbsnews.org) Oct 23, 2025 at 10:59 AM

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"Still, the U.S. credit rating is no longer top-rated at any of the three major ratings agencies, which have cited both unsustainable fiscal trends and recurring political gridlock.

These downgrades have had immediate consequences, placing further upward pressure on borrowing costs and raising questions about the long-term global standing of the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency.

"Adding trillion after trillion to the debt and budgeting-by-crisis is no way for a great nation like America to run its finances," Peterson said.

"Lawmakers should take advantage of the many responsible reforms available that would put our nation on a stronger path for the future."

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2025-10-23 04:37 PM | Reply

Trump ran on being 'King of Debt' in 2016, bragged he could eliminate national debt in 8 years

www.foxnews.com

#2 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-10-23 05:38 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Are we sure that Mexico isn't supposed to pay off the Debt, you know, like they did the Wall?

#3 | Posted by Corky at 2025-10-23 05:46 PM | Reply

One thing is for sure, billionaires aren't paying for the debt Trump is saddling working class Americans with.

#4 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-10-23 06:14 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

But the tariffs....

#5 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-10-23 06:51 PM | Reply

The only thing ever proven to reduce the debt is tax cuts for the rich!
--Republicans

#6 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-23 09:00 PM | Reply

Trump ran on being 'King of Debt' in 2016, bragged he could eliminate national debt in 8 years
www.foxnews.com
#2 | Posted by reinheitsgebot

Well, he's not lying.
Default eliminates debt.

#7 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-23 10:16 PM | Reply

Tax cuts. Again.

Republicans are neither fiscally conservative or fiscally responsible.

#8 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2025-10-24 01:14 AM | Reply

The average MAGAt neither understands nor cares about the details of "the deficit" past a bumbersticker slogan. If they can tune into FAUX news every day and see evidence of liberal distress, and see their favorite sociopaths ranting about making the libs pay, all is good in their world.

#9 | Posted by Angrydad at 2025-10-24 07:44 AM | Reply

Where are the usual suspects to deflect, blame Biden, or say that the numbers are cooked?
Where the F are all of you NOW??

#10 | Posted by e1g1 at 2025-10-24 10:41 AM | Reply

I wonder how much austerity Americans will be able to abide in the near future?

www.usdebtclock.org

#11 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-10-24 11:27 AM | Reply

Let's not forget: None of these mega purchases were in the budget; they all require NEW BORROWING.

Welcome to Trumpland, Debtsylvania.

#12 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-10-24 11:35 AM | Reply

Fastest trillion dollars in debt ever added.

By the guy who's gutting our government to supposedly reduce costs.

So, I have to ask, where the F*&^ is all this money actually going?

#13 | Posted by jpw at 2025-10-24 12:44 PM | Reply

Billionaire's pockets, one way or another. Prolly several ways.

#14 | Posted by Corky at 2025-10-24 12:47 PM | Reply

Fun Fact... 73 percent of Billionaire Donations (see, Investments) went to the Trump Campaign, 23 percent to Harris.

What does that tell us, class?

#15 | Posted by Corky at 2025-10-24 12:48 PM | Reply

#15: Fun Fact... 73 percent of Billionaire Donations (see, Investments) went to the Trumpf Campaign, 23 percent to Harris.
What does that tell us, class?

#16 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-10-24 12:55 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

The Trump deficit continues for billow.

#17 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-24 01:01 PM | Reply

Every time I see our debt and it's trajectory I feel the people advocating investing in precious metals are on to something.

#18 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-10-24 10:55 PM | Reply

Thought DOGE fixed the debt thing? It was all the rage there for a awhile.

#19 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-10-24 11:04 PM | Reply

Now consider how much the dems want to tadd to that for that to allow the government to reopen.

"Democrats' Failed Health Care Policies: Shut Down Government to Restore Taxpayer Subsidies for Illegal Immigrants' Health Care"

waysandmeans.house.gov

They are foolish enough to believe that the average American Taxpayer would want this! Of course, ini reality, we have sen time and time again that the dems could care less about the citizens who are 'paying the freight'.

#20 | Posted by MSgt at 2025-10-24 11:33 PM | Reply

@#20 ... Now consider how much the dems want to tadd to that for that to allow the government to reopen. ...

In my view, the issue is more along the lines of ...

Now consider how much Pres Trump has added to the Trump Deficit to allow for tax reductions for billionaires, apparently including himself.

Asked differently, are you OK with tax reductions for billionaires and the healthcare reductions for workers that are needed to make up for those billionaire tax reductions?

It's a simple question.

Yer up.

#21 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-24 11:47 PM | Reply

A3 (a.k.a. Alabama 3) - Too Sick To Pray (2000)
www.youtube.com

Lyrics excerpt ...

genius.com

...
[Verse 1]
I'm in a lonely room
Hank Williams sings the Lovesick Blues
Winter's walkin' up the avenue
I ain't seen the sunshine since the sixth of June
But I tell you this

[Chorus]
Don't call the doctor, I'm gonna get better
Don't run for the priest, I'm gonna find some faith
Just because I burned my Bible, baby
It don't mean, I'm too sick to pray
...

#22 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-25 03:12 AM | Reply

Every time I see our debt and it's trajectory I ~~feel the people advocating investing in precious metals are on to something~~ignore that it largely happens under people I vote for because otherwise I can't use it as a cudgel to be fauxraged about when a Dem is elected.

#18 | Posted by BellRinger

Fastest trillion added to our debt by the same guy who added the most in the shortest amount of time and all you've got is "maybe I should buy precious metals..."

Pfft.

#23 | Posted by jpw at 2025-10-25 08:42 AM | Reply

#20 | Posted by MSgt

You have to be one stupid MFer to believe this tripe.

Most people do want what the Dems are pushing for.

Your last line is comedy gold as you chirp it in support of an administration who claims to have cut costs while also adding to the debt quicker than any other POTUS ever. So where is that money actually going if it's not being spent?

#24 | Posted by jpw at 2025-10-25 08:45 AM | Reply

Two parties have created the national debt.

There hasn't been a single veto by any president to reject Congressional spending causing more debt.

Both parties talk of deficits, but neither has ever made permanent reductions to spending, build a surplus, and pay off the debt.

Neither party.

Paying off the debt means more taxes to exceed spending, reduce spending below intake, either way, both parties don't want to do it.

Not one Veto. Not one party in control of it all made permanent decision to pay off the debt.

#25 | Posted by Petrous at 2025-10-25 10:42 AM | Reply

" Thought DOGE fixed the debt thing? It was all the rage there for an awhile."

Good concept. Terribly executed. Rushed. Haphazard. Unorganized.

#26 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-10-25 11:46 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

" 23 | POSTED BY JPW AT 2025-10-25 08:42 AM | FLAG: "

You are projecting big time.

#25 nails it although I'm sure you don't see it that way.

#27 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-10-25 11:48 AM | Reply

(DOGE) Terribly executed. Rushed. Haphazard. Unorganized

#26 | Posted by BellRinger

DOGE was a terror operation used to assert Donald's unlimited power.

#28 | Posted by Zed at 2025-10-25 12:00 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"Now consider how much the dems want to tadd to that for that to allow the government to reopen."

Americans having insurance costs America less than Americans not having insurance.

#29 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-25 12:15 PM | Reply

bellringer doesnt know what projecting means.

#30 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-10-25 12:46 PM | Reply

Two parties have created the national debt.

25% of the national debt was accumulated during Trump's first term and he's outspending himself this term.

Paying off the debt means more taxes

Can't do that when republicans have been giving the wealthiest Americans tax cut after tax cut.

Reagan did it, BushJr did it, and Trump has done it twice.

Not one party in control of it all made permanent decision to pay off the debt.
#25 | POSTED BY PETROUS

Facts show us that every Democratic President has reduced the deficit.

Bill Clinton handed BushJr a surplus deficit. Both Obama and Biden reduced the deficit.

I'd say you should be embarrassed of your stupidity.

But that seems unlikely.

#31 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-10-25 01:12 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

#30 for me, projecting is chucking your pansy ass like a projectile.

#32 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-10-25 01:13 PM | Reply

#25 nails it although I'm sure you don't see it that way.
#27 | POSTED BY BULLBRINGER

Your brain is Mush.

You're abysmally stupid.

#33 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-10-25 01:13 PM | Reply

" I'd say you should be embarrassed of your stupidity.

But that seems unlikely.

#31 | POSTED BY CLOWNSHACK AT 2025-10-25 01:12 PM | FLAG: "

Which branch of government controls the purse strings? Surely you are feeling stupid now.

#34 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-10-25 01:15 PM | Reply

For the record it was the GOP that controlled the House during W's first 6 years. Any and all criticism of that period's fiscal disaster is both valid and shared by me. Couple that with going into Iraq and W surpasses Carter as worst POTUS in my lifetime.

#35 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-10-25 01:19 PM | Reply

Which branch of government controls the purse strings? Surely you are feeling stupid now.
#34 | POSTED BY BULLBRINGER

Hey mush brains, every time a democrat is president the deficit reduces and every time a republican is president the deficit increases.

Like clockwork.

#36 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-10-25 01:23 PM | Reply

Putin's noxious DNA receptacle lapped the field in the worst POTUS of all time competition.

www.axios.com

#37 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-10-25 01:24 PM | Reply

For the record it was the GOP that controlled the House during W's first 6 years.

It's always a GOP Congress that cuts taxes on the wealthy and it's always a Democratic Congress that balances the budget.

Every time.

Every.

Time.

#38 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-10-25 01:25 PM | Reply

Posted by BellRinger at 2025-10-25 01:19 PM | Reply

Yet you voted for him twice. Ironic don't you think??

#39 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-10-25 01:26 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"Two parties have created the national debt."

REPUBLICAN MATH alert!!!

#40 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-10-25 01:29 PM | Reply

Trump has created about a third of national debt by himself in less than 5 years.

BUT BOTH SIDES! The cry of the right wing tool.

*drink*

#41 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-10-25 01:35 PM | Reply

Which branch of government controls the purse strings? Surely you are feeling stupid now.

#34 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-10-25 01:15 PM | Reply | Flag

Not congress anymore. Or haven't you been paying attention?

#42 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-10-25 01:36 PM | Reply

"Which branch of government controls the purse strings?"

The Judiciary ruled that the Executive can simply refuse to release funds for spending authorized by Congress.
So there isn't one branch of government that controls the purse strings any more.
Because Republicans are getting what Heritage Foundation wants, which is a Unitary Executive.

#43 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-25 02:23 PM | Reply

Which branch of government controls the purse strings?
#34 | POSTED BY BULLBRINGER

Which party has shown more fiscal conservatism during your lifetime, and which has shown more fiscal largesse?
A question you can't answer.

#44 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-25 02:31 PM | Reply

Which branch of government controls the purse strings?

#34 | Posted by BellRinger

Donald Trump is congratulating himself for being Speaker of the House.

Today.

#45 | Posted by Zed at 2025-10-25 02:50 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

#34

The MAGA Congress has given up it's responsibility , you ---------- cowardly ----.

#46 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-10-25 04:21 PM | Reply

Good concept. Terribly executed. Rushed. Haphazard. Unorganized.

#26 | Posted by BellRinger

Stupid, unAmerican concept executed as poorly as you'd expect because it was never meant to reduce expenditure.

I've asked this question a few times on various threads but nobody ever answers. Maybe, since you're such a sycophant for the administration you can give me some insight?

If DOGE and Trump's usurping Congressional power of the purse is necessary reign in debt, where is all the money supposedly going if we're wracking up debt at a faster pace than ever?

If tens if not hundreds of billions of dollars is no longer being spent on programs and buildings are closed and being sold, where did all that money go after Trump illegally stopped it from being spent on the Congressionally allotted programs?

#47 | Posted by jpw at 2025-10-25 05:00 PM | Reply

You are projecting big time.

#25 nails it although I'm sure you don't see it that way.

#27 | Posted by BellRinger

25 is an intellectually lazy whine that you're glomming on to to avoid acknowledging what I've said as true.

#48 | Posted by jpw at 2025-10-25 05:02 PM | Reply

Have the Democrats ever held the White House? Did any Democrat President veto the Congressional bills allowing the National Debt to increase?

The Republicans do the same thing. Spend.

Deficits increase the National Debt bit simply adding more to it.

The Debt isn't resolved, is it?

Saying your borrowing less than the other party while trillions in debt isn't a good thing. Those trillions remain owed. The higherthe interest rate, the worse the bleeding.

Both parties are at fault. Lay blame more on one, but it doesn't exonerate the other's failures.

#49 | Posted by Petrous at 2025-10-25 06:31 PM | Reply