Fact Check: The United States has a national debt exceeding $31 trillion.

Fact Check: "The United States has a national debt exceeding $31 trillion."

What We Know

The claim that the United States has a national debt exceeding $31 trillion is supported by multiple credible sources. As of the latest data, the U.S. Treasury Monthly Statement of the Public Debt (MSPD) indicates that the Total Public Debt Outstanding (TPDO) is indeed over $31 trillion. The MSPD provides detailed information on the federal government's outstanding debts, including both marketable and non-marketable debt, and is published monthly, reflecting the debt as of the end of the previous month.

Additionally, the Debt Dashboard from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee confirms that the national debt has been increasing significantly, with projections suggesting that it could reach $37 trillion by late 2025 if current trends continue. This dashboard provides a real-time overview of the national debt, further substantiating the claim.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from reliable government sources. The U.S. Treasury's MSPD is a primary source for federal debt data, and its methodology for calculating the national debt is well-documented. The MSPD categorizes debt into various types, ensuring transparency in how the total is calculated. The data is consistently updated and reflects the most current figures available.

The Debt Dashboard also serves as a reliable source, as it is maintained by a congressional committee that monitors economic data. The dashboard's figures align with those from the U.S. Treasury, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim.

In contrast, some sources, like the U.S. National Debt Clock, provide real-time estimates that can fluctuate based on daily financial activities, but they also confirm that the national debt exceeds $31 trillion. However, it is essential to note that while these sources are generally reliable, they may present slightly different figures due to the timing of updates and the methodologies used for calculations.

Overall, the consistency across multiple reputable sources lends strong support to the claim that the national debt exceeds $31 trillion.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the United States has a national debt exceeding $31 trillion is accurate. The evidence from the U.S. Treasury and other reliable sources confirms that the national debt currently stands above this threshold, with projections indicating continued growth in the coming years.