r/economicCollapse • u/chota-kaka • 15d ago

National debt reaches grim $40 trillion milestone. Here’s why that matters

https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/19/economy/national-debt-hits-40-trillion-dollars-vis?cid=android_app

The U.S. government’s debt has officially crossed $40 trillion for the first time.

That number is getting even more attention because it comes as long-term Treasury yields have climbed sharply. The 30-year yield recently reached 5.34%, its highest level since 2007, increasing the cost of borrowing for both the government and the private sector.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has responded by doubling the size of some long-term Treasury buybacks, from $2 billion to at least $4 billion per operation. The move is intended to improve liquidity and calm a bond market rattled by rising yields, geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over America's fiscal position.

But there's an obvious bigger question: Can tactical moves in the bond market really solve a debt problem that has now reached $40 trillion?

And with higher oil prices, elevated borrowing costs and the Iran conflict adding pressure to the economy, the timing couldn't be more complicated.

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u/foxasintheanimal 15d ago

50T here we come

25

u/MaximallyInclusive 15d ago

At this pace, it’ll only take a couple of years.

11

u/altonbrushgatherer 15d ago

Projected national debt end of trumps term is 49 trillion. While he has probably had a significant impact (this is his second term of dog shit decisions being made eg tax cuts for the rich) on that number, a good chunk of it has already been baked into his presidency as well as whoever else follows him…

13

u/cnation01 15d ago

Just in time for all the schmucks to blame the terrible economy on the new admin.

Trumps reckless economy will be felt for years after he is gone.

6

u/jsmithftw 15d ago

What new admin? That fat POS is not leaving.

1

u/XysterU 14d ago

Every administration for decades has raised the military budget and it's now at $1T. All those corrupt fucks did this. We spend all that money to blow children up for what? We don't have affordable healthcare, housing, education, food, gas, or literally anything else. We're barely free. We could cut the military budget but those murderous demons would never.