Published: Aug 18, 2026, 23:46 IST | Updated: Aug 18, 2026, 23:46 IST
The U.S. national debt stands at $39.9 trillion and is on track to surpass the historic $40 trillion milestone. This acceleration happens months ahead of previous forecasts, driven by high interest rates, rising debt-servicing costs, and lost revenue from invalidated tariffs, outpacing the administration's federal spending-cut goals.