Fact Check: The U.S. federal deficit has increased by trillions of dollars in recent years.

Fact Check: "The U.S. federal deficit has increased by trillions of dollars in recent years."

What We Know

The U.S. federal deficit occurs when the government spends more than it collects in revenue. According to the U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data, the federal government has experienced significant deficits in recent years, with a reported deficit of $1.36 trillion for fiscal year 2025 alone. This represents a substantial increase compared to previous years, where deficits have been consistently rising since 2001, the last time the budget was in surplus.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the federal budget deficit will reach $1.9 trillion in fiscal year 2025, with expectations that it could grow to $2.7 trillion by 2035. This trend indicates a persistent increase in the deficit, driven by rising mandatory spending and interest costs that outpace revenue growth.

Furthermore, the CBO's Monthly Budget Review for April 2025 reported that the deficit for the first seven months of fiscal year 2025 was $1.1 trillion, which is $196 billion more than the same period in the previous fiscal year. This data reinforces the claim that the federal deficit has indeed increased significantly in recent years.

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. federal deficit has increased by trillions of dollars is supported by multiple credible sources. The U.S. Treasury provides official data on the national deficit, confirming that the government has run substantial deficits in recent years, particularly in response to economic challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in spending on programs like Social Security and healthcare, coupled with the need for economic stimulus, has contributed to this trend.

The CBO's projections are also a reliable indicator of future fiscal health, as they are based on comprehensive economic analyses and legislative impacts. Their reports indicate a clear trajectory of increasing deficits, with the projected deficit for 2025 being significantly higher than in previous years. The CBO's data is widely regarded as a nonpartisan and authoritative source on federal budget matters, which adds to the reliability of the information presented.

However, it is important to note that while the deficit has increased, the context of these increases—such as economic downturns and necessary government spending—should be considered. Critics may argue that such spending is essential for economic recovery, while proponents of fiscal restraint may highlight the long-term implications of sustained deficits.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "The U.S. federal deficit has increased by trillions of dollars in recent years" is accurate. The evidence clearly shows that the federal deficit has risen significantly, with projections indicating continued increases in the coming years. The data from the U.S. Treasury and the CBO corroborate this assertion, reflecting a consistent trend of deficit spending that has been exacerbated by recent economic challenges.

Sources

1. National Deficit | U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data
2. The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2025 to 2035 - Congressional Budget Office
3. Monthly Budget Review: April 2025 - Congressional Budget Office
4. Congressional Budget Office Updates Baseline: Deficit Totals to Third ...
5. US Fiscal Deficit by Year (2001-2025): Key Insights and Trends