U.S. Debt Tops 100% of GDP | Drudge Retort

Advertisement

Thursday, April 30, 2026

U.S. Debt Tops 100% of GDP

The U.S. national debt now exceeds 100% of gross domestic product, crossing a once-unthinkable threshold ...

Posted by retort at 12:29 PM | 67 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

More

Alternate links: Google News | Twitter

Mike Lee blames Capitol Hill reporters for the $39 trillion national debt.[image or embed]
-- Ron Filipkowski (@ronfilipkowski.bsky.social) Apr 30, 2026 at 7:24 AM

Comments

Admin's note: Participants in this discussion must follow the site's moderation policy. Profanity will be filtered. Abusive conduct is not allowed.

Neither party will address this.

#1 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-04-30 12:37 PM | Reply | Funny: 5

The party that did this will not address this.

#2 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-04-30 12:38 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

The party that did this runs California and New York.

#3 | Posted by visitor_ at 2026-04-30 12:40 PM | Reply | Funny: 6

Thanks, Republicans.

When Bill Clinton left office we had $5 trillion in debt and surpluses. He left a plan to completely pay it off in just a few years.

Instead, George W Bush and Republicans, with unitary control of government, more than doubled the budget and our national debt and slashed taxes TWICE, further adding to the debt and leaving America with systemic deficits.

Obama got annual deficits back under $500b after being left with a $1.4 TRILLION annual deficit. Trump and Republicans blew deficits back up over $1 trillion a year.

For all the TALK about "fiscal responsibility," Republicans don't care about it ... until a Dem is in the WH.

#4 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-04-30 12:42 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 9

Deficits are not a problem until democrats gain power and try to find the money to try and help Americans with healthcare and child care and education and housing and food costs.

But when it comes to War and Ballrooms and 250 foot Arches there is always enough money in the budget for republicans.

Apparently.

#5 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-04-30 12:42 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 6

Fiat Currency is an Addiction.

The Withdrawal is going to be a B*t*h.

If the dollar loses it's special status....

Bye Bye Empire. It'll be like when the Pound Sterling became just another Currency.

And GB became a Second Rate little Country Again.

Good Times Coming!

#6 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-04-30 12:43 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"Neither party will address this."

Especially the party responsible for reseting Americas fiscal sights from record surpluses to record deficits.

Remind us how many Democrats voted for Dubya 1.0, Dubya 2.0, Trump 1.0, and Trump 2.0. In toto.

More, or less than double digits?

#7 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 12:45 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

We know how serious Democrats are about government spending by how much they fought DOGE.

#8 | Posted by visitor_ at 2026-04-30 12:50 PM | Reply | Funny: 5

"Neither party will address this."

Why didn't YOU, when the idea of borrowing TRILLIONS more to extend expiring tax cuts was floated?

You were dead silent back then. But now you're clutching your pearls?!? What's next...the vapors???

Why not take pride in the debt you enabled all these years?

#9 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 12:51 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

The party that did this runs California and New York.

#3 | POSTED BY VISITOR_

California's economy remains the largest in the U.S., with a nominal GDP that reached approximately $4.1 trillion in 2025, making it the 4th or 5th largest economy in the world.

Our deficit this year was about $21 billion. We call it the "Trump Slump".

I'll do the math for you. The resulting difference is approximately
.512%

This means that a $21 billion deficit represents slightly more than half of one percent of California's $4.1 trillion GDP.

We could only wish hope and dream that someday America will have such a closely balanced budget.

#10 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-04-30 12:54 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Danforth,

Please show me what Democrats are proposing that even remotely addresses this problem.

Show your work.

It should be easy given your unadorned love for the Democrat Party.

#11 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-04-30 12:55 PM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

"Please show me what Democrats are proposing that even remotely addresses this problem."

Pick up a history book, FFS.

And ANSWER THE DIRECT QUESTION: How many Dem votes for the LAST FOUR REPUBLICAN TAX CODES?

#12 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 12:58 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

The wealthy didn't suffer during the economic messes preceding the French or Russian Revolutions.

Oligarchic fortunes immunized them from inflation and austerity measures; there were no income taxes or laws to claw back their ill-gotten pelf either.

But oligarchs finally did suffer in 1789 and 1917 when people had enough of them and their corrupt regimes.

When is it America's turn for its second revolution?

#13 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-04-30 12:58 PM | Reply

Yet another way the republicans have shown their ineptitude.

#14 | Posted by jpw at 2026-04-30 12:59 PM | Reply

"Show your work."

I'd rather show yours:
www.pgpf.org

#15 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 01:00 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"My administration is the only thing between you and the pitchforks."
Barack Obama, 2009
Speaking to Banking CEOs at the White House

Looks like nobody studies the French Resolution anymore.

#16 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-04-30 01:04 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

You didn't answer my question. I knew you couldn't.

#17 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-04-30 01:10 PM | Reply

---- off Imbecile, you're a lying little MAGAT ----. You couldn't argue this, so you resort to ------- LYING.

#18 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-04-30 01:16 PM | Reply

When Bill Clinton left office we had $5 trillion in debt and surpluses. He left a plan to completely pay it off in just a few years.

Instead, George W Bush and Republicans, with unitary control of government, more than doubled the budget and our national debt and slashed taxes TWICE, further adding to the debt and leaving America with systemic deficits.

Obama got annual deficits back under $500b after being left with a $1.4 TRILLION annual deficit. Trump and Republicans blew deficits back up over $1 trillion a year.

For all the TALK about "fiscal responsibility," Republicans don't care about it ... until a Dem is in the WH.

#4 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-04-30 12:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

Bill Clinton also signed NAFTA into law and left you with nothing but rot and decay. He left every blue collar manufacturing job in the country in peril.

bUh tHeYrE nOt tHe sAmE

#19 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2026-04-30 01:17 PM | Reply

"We know how serious Democrats are about government spending by how much they fought DOGE.

#8 | Posted by visitor_"

DOGE?

Moron.

#20 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2026-04-30 01:20 PM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

"Bill Clinton also signed NAFTA into law"

And you put that on a par of resetting America's Fiscal Sights???

Republican Math is a dangerous thing, kids! Stay in school!!!

#21 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 01:21 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

"You didn't answer my question. I knew you couldn't."

A question was put to you first.

What's your excuse for not answering? Are you unaware of the answer, or just embarrassed by the truth?

#22 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 01:23 PM | Reply

Kinda like all those tax cuts for the wealthy and business aren't paying for themselves, despite what their advocates in both parties say.
The sooner we get back to the pre-Reagan tax codes and stamp out whatever remains of "trickle down" economics, the better.

#23 | Posted by morris at 2026-04-30 01:25 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

And he wants another "down payment" 1.5 trillion for more no bid contracts and more fraudulent funding of "Board of peace" or whatever he called it.

#24 | Posted by fresno500 at 2026-04-30 01:28 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"You didn't answer my question."

We both lived though the history. Only one of us is denying it.

Actual Math basically says the deficits can be directly traced back to deficit budgets. Deficit budgets are the result of the tax code. Republicans reset America's fiscal sights from Surplusville to Debtsylvania, and then kept underscoring the deficits which each new tax code.

Call me crazy, but I blame the authors and architects.

Again: Remind us how many Democrats voted for the four Republican Tax Codes.

#25 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 01:29 PM | Reply

#11 | Posted by BellRinger

Here are a few examples of recent Democrat proposals and bills attempting to curb Trump and GOP excess. Of course, reining in GOP looting of America is impossible with a GOP-controlled Congress allowing Trump to rule by fiat and largesse, backed by a heavily GOP Supreme Court.

newdemocratcoalition.house.gov

www.nytimes.com

www.nytimes.com

www.foxnews.com

And just for kicks, here's how the Trump family is doing while the rest of America suffers

www.democracynow.org

#26 | Posted by El_Buscador at 2026-04-30 01:31 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Republicans are part of the problem. They are more of the problem than Democrats are going back three decades. What everyone (that is YOU, Danforth) refuse to answer is what are Democrats proposing NOW that will in any way meaningfully address this going forward.

Rand Paul has proposed the 6 cents rule. What are Democrats proposing? Paul Ryan seriously talked about our debt and spending trajectory and was subject to ads off him pushing wheelchair bound grannies over a cliff by Democrats as a response.

#27 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-04-30 01:37 PM | Reply | Funny: 2

" What everyone (that is YOU, Danforth) refuse to answer is what are Democrats proposing NOW"

Wow. It's rare to see a post that expires before it gets posted.

Feel free to read the links provided above. That is, if you aren't afraid to lose your precious "hyperbole".

#28 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 01:41 PM | Reply

Pedo 47: 'I'm the king of debt',

www.politico.com

This is who MAGAt filth worship.

#29 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-04-30 01:42 PM | Reply

" Rand Paul has proposed the 6 cents rule."

Motions without seconds die immediately.

#30 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 01:43 PM | Reply

Ballwasher is nothing but MAGAT scum

#31 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-04-30 01:44 PM | Reply

" Rand Paul has proposed the 6 cents rule."

So, if a government worker is currently earning $100,000 ...

... what would her new salary have to be?

#32 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 01:47 PM | Reply

Another round of tax cuts for the 1% would surely eliminate the debt. I mean, it can't possibly fail every single time they try it, right?

#33 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2026-04-30 01:48 PM | Reply

#27 | Posted by BellRinger

I agree with you we need to get some positive ideas in play, and it doesn't matter where they come from. It's not real complicated. Maximize tax income, billionaires be damned. Identify necessary spending and look for cheaper, more efficient ways to do it. And cut the unnecessary spending, which is where the real fights begin. As with any debt reduction plan, the first step to getting out of the hole is to stop digging, which means this Congress has to grow a collective pair and pump the brakes on this out-of-control President.

#34 | Posted by El_Buscador at 2026-04-30 01:50 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

MAGA dumfux, where are those DOGE dividend checks?

#35 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-04-30 01:56 PM | Reply

#34. Completely agree. We do need intelligent tax increases but we desperately need to reduce spending and address our unsustainable spending trajectory. Right now neither party is even remotely serious about addressing any of this.

#36 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-04-30 02:06 PM | Reply

"We do need intelligent tax increases"

When did that epiphany happen? Before noon. today, or after?

#37 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 02:12 PM | Reply

Fanatical partisan dishonesty. And the obscenely rich get obscenely richer.

#38 | Posted by moder8 at 2026-04-30 02:12 PM | Reply

The GOP authorized $1,000,000,000 to refurbish a Qatar 747 to be given to Dementia Donny in Jan 2029.

The GOP authorized $100,000,000 per year to pay for Dementia Don to golf.

Dementia Don is extorting $10,000,000,000 for his leaked tax returns, but nothing is being done about our personal info that was stolen by DOGE.

Dementia Don is paying himself $10,000,000,000 for his bored of peace.

Lidsay Graham will push for the US Govt to pay for the golden dance hall.

Right now the GOP is focusing on stealing as much as they can from the treasury before it all collapses.

#39 | Posted by Nixon at 2026-04-30 02:13 PM | Reply

" When did that epiphany happen? Before noon. today, or after?

#37 | POSTED BY DANFORTH AT 2026-04-30 02:12 PM | FLAG: "

I've been saying it for years. FICA should be increased a half point on both sides.

I've also been screaming for spending cuts. Real cuts not just reductions in the rate of growth that still vastly outpaces inflation.

#40 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-04-30 02:15 PM | Reply

"Right now neither party is even remotely serious about addressing any of this."

The time to be serious was when the trillions of tax cuts were expiring.

Democrats screamed against renewing the tax giveaways.

You were silent, to the point of acquiescence. Never so much as a keystroke against it.

#41 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 02:17 PM | Reply

Kinda like all those tax cuts for the wealthy and business aren't paying for themselves

You're just not looking at where the the money is going.

It is being funneled into GOP congress critters bank accounts.

That is how they are paying for themselves.

The corporate overlords of the GOP told them flat out in 2017...either cut our taxes dramatically or else we stop paying you. Paul Ryan took note, passed the Tax Scam and then promptly retired to the private sector cushy lobbying gigs.

#42 | Posted by Nixon at 2026-04-30 02:19 PM | Reply

I've also been screaming for spending cuts. Real cuts not just reductions in the rate of growth that still vastly outpaces inflation.

#40 | Posted by BellRinger

Would you be willing to cut 20 percent from the DoD? In "normal" times?

No Democrat or Republican would. How about you?

I'd go for it in a minute.

#43 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2026-04-30 02:20 PM | Reply

The time to be serious was when the trillions of tax cuts were expiring.
Democrats screamed against renewing the tax giveaways.

And the GOP found a convenient loophole, by simply "re-authorizing" the tax scam it avoided the ten year budget reconciliation process. Wallah...trillions in red ink as far as the eye can see.

#44 | Posted by Nixon at 2026-04-30 02:22 PM | Reply

The money saved could be used to help groups of people right now in such a way they'd in the long term not require as much federal assistance.

Or who they'd be living in a society that values human life more than defense company profits.

We'd all benefit from that.

#45 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2026-04-30 02:23 PM | Reply

Or they'd . . .

#46 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2026-04-30 02:23 PM | Reply

"I've been saying it for years."

You never made A PEEP about the trillions of renewed tax cuts. And you've NEVER blamed the authors or the architects of the tax codes.

"FICA should be increased a half point on both sides."

FICA isn't the problem. The problem is only one progressive tax, and it's not progressive enough.

"I've also been screaming for spending cuts."

MATH 101: Renewing expiring tax cuts while running deficit budgets represents NEW SPENDING VIA 100% NEW BORROWING.

If you're against spending, but silent on tax giveaways, you shouldn't be allowed to sit at the adults' table.

#47 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 02:24 PM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

This is bad.
This is very bad.
When you can't even make enough money to pay the interest on your debt people have to stop lending you money.
When you don't make enough to maintain the debt you already have and people stop lending you money you get a bad credit rating.
When you get a bad credit rating people sell off all your debt, come collecting, devalue your currency, and stop using it as the stable standard around the globe.
This is already happening with tolls at the Straight of Hormuz where Iran reportedly will take Chinese Yuan or Crypto.
Expect this to spread.
But at least we haven't pissed off our traditional allies around the globe and can count on them to help us out. Right?......Right?

#48 | Posted by MBlue at 2026-04-30 02:37 PM | Reply

If you're against spending, but silent on tax giveaways, you shouldn't be allowed to sit at the adults' table.

Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 02:24 PM |

#49 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-04-30 02:45 PM | Reply

GOP: *Cuts Taxes for Rich and Increases Spending*
Bellringer: "Blame the Democrats!"

#50 | Posted by Sycophant at 2026-04-30 02:47 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

" If you're against spending, but silent on tax giveaways"

If you support tax increases but are silent on spending you don't deserve a seat at the adult table.

#51 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-04-30 03:07 PM | Reply

#51 That's because spending isn't the problem.

That's why you don't deserve a seat at the adult table, bell boi.

#52 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-04-30 03:08 PM | Reply

Please show me what Democrats are proposing that even remotely addresses this problem.

Show your work.

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahaa

"Show your work" from the guy who refuses to provide evidence or links, changes the subject when the discussion turns and has a whatabout? straw man argument on speed dial in every thread he participates in on this site.

Precious

#53 | Posted by chuffy at 2026-04-30 03:12 PM | Reply

Trump is doing to America what he did a half a dozen times with Casinos:

"Casino Management (1980s"2009)

Bankruptcies: Trump's casino companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy six times (Taj Mahal, Plaza, Castle) between 1991 and 2009, failing to manage massive debts, yet he avoided personal bankruptcy.

Personal Profit: Even while his businesses did poorly, Trump collected millions in salaries, bonuses, and fees, while investors and bondholders lost over $1.5 billion.

Operational Failures: Critics and analysts found his casinos were "the worst" among their peers regarding jobs, shedding 7,400 positions between 1997 and 2010.

Contractor Losses: Contractors and small businesses were often left with unpaid bills when his companies filed for bankruptcy.

;;

"Presidential Policy (2017-2021 & 2025-2026)

National Debt: Similar to loading his casinos with debt, analysts note the Trump administration's policies have driven up the national debt, with an estimated $8.4 trillion added over his initial term.

Stiffing "Contractors": Critics suggest that tariffs and trade policies, rather than bringing back widespread manufacturing, have disrupted supply chains and increased costs for American households, which they equate to the "small businesses" that took losses in Atlantic City.

Profit Conflicts: Critics argue that, like his casino days, Trump has operated in a way that allows him to profit personally from public service, with his businesses receiving millions from foreign governments and domestic special interests during his time in office.

Workforce Impact: Reports allege that, as in the casino bankruptcies where employees lost retirement savings, federal policy under Trump has pursued deregulation that weakens labor protections, lowers wages for tipped workers, and restricts worker organizing."

But he gets away with raping women and girls, committing Business Fraud, and trying to overthrow an Election, according to his own DOJ.

Which is why Jeffy and the Trumpers love him so much... he's a True American Success Story!

#54 | Posted by Corky at 2026-04-30 03:22 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"We do need intelligent tax increases"

LOL

There's no end to the taxation once the government realized it can tax more to spend more, to make it acceptable to the population.

Sure sure the government could have taxed more. But it would never solved the problem, because the government would just be spending more than it currently is. There's no proof it wouldn't.

Look all the projects sitting around just waiting for funding. For example the HSR, It just needs another $230Billion, nationalized healthcare, FAA, 911 systems, there's an infinite supply of underfunded programs.

The government is drunk on spending, taxing more won't help it, in fact it just enables more of it.
A country with a fiat currency will spend more than it takes in always, and at a non-linear rate (interest).

Sometimes its stops, but doesn't end well. (Japan, UK) The US fighting to remain the reserve currency (petrodollar), once it loses that status the amount of USD coming back into the US will cause inflation beyond calculations of the average person ...

#55 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-04-30 03:40 PM | Reply

#55

Says, "But, but... taxation is all the same!".

No, Virginia, it's not all the same.

#56 | Posted by Corky at 2026-04-30 03:43 PM | Reply

" If you're against spending, but silent on tax giveaways"
If you support tax increases but are silent on spending you don't deserve a seat at the adult table.

#51 | Posted by BellRinger

Obama and Biden BOTH cut discretionary spending.

Your turn.

#57 | Posted by Sycophant at 2026-04-30 03:55 PM | Reply

I saw gas in Ohio today at 4.99 per gallon for the first time in my life. I'm sure everything will be fine ... ..right?!?!

#58 | Posted by 2020Rocks at 2026-04-30 04:04 PM | Reply

And you put that on a par of resetting America's Fiscal Sights???

Republican Math is a dangerous thing, kids! Stay in school!!!

#21 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-04-30 01:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

Apparently this -------- hasn't done any math on the economic disaster caused by NAFTA. You know you've lost the gig when your only response is "bUh iTs nOt aS bAd"

#59 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2026-04-30 04:25 PM | Reply

NAFTA?

The brainchild of wealthy capitalists?

Thats your excuse to ignore republicans giving the wealthiest Americans tax cuts after tax cuts while increasing spending?

Donald Trump is personally responsible for over 25% of our national debt.

DONALD TRUMP IS PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER 25% OF THE NATION DEBT.

But you can't hold Trump accountable for anything.

So blame NAFTA. I guess.

#60 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-04-30 04:45 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Apparently this -------- hasn't done any math on the economic disaster caused by NAFTA. You know you've lost the gig when your only response is "bUh iTs nOt aS bAd"

#59 | Posted by lfthndthrds

...like manufacturing jobs INCREASED after NAFTA?

And this has NOTHING TO DO with the Tax and Spend Republicans.

Get Help, Pedo.

#61 | Posted by Sycophant at 2026-04-30 04:57 PM | Reply

You know, if we cut our military spending it may help a little.

#62 | Posted by MBlue at 2026-04-30 05:05 PM | Reply

Cutting off Trump will literally save America trillions.

#63 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-04-30 05:25 PM | Reply

#62

We have by far the greatest military spending in the world. Countries 2 through 10 combined barely add up to ours. But Iran, who doesn't even crack the top ten, has us stymied. Is it the amount of available force, or the wisdom of where, when, and how to use it?

#64 | Posted by El_Buscador at 2026-04-30 05:28 PM | Reply

And unlike us in the US, Iran achieved universal healthcare for their people -- like Israel -- which includes the Jewish community which has thrived in Persia for five millenia.

But we got nukes, so there!

#65 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-04-30 05:34 PM | Reply

we do have nukes.

we also have roughly the same % of insured Americans and there are insured Iranians. And the Jewish community is included in that number.

so there!

BTW, I don't care for our healthcare system and support any effort towards a universal system.....just pointing that out.

#66 | Posted by eberly at 2026-04-30 05:53 PM | Reply

we do have nukes.

Kinda wasteful to have so many nukes and never use them.

Also losing war after war is really making us look bad.

I have a solution to both problems.

Every generation wants to watch the world end.

Maybe we can be the lucky ones.

#67 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-04-30 06:02 PM | Reply

Home | Breaking News | Comments | User Blogs | Stats | Back Page | RSS Feed | RSS Spec | DMCA Compliance | Privacy