Fact Check: The U.S. has a significant national debt.

Fact Check: The U.S. has a significant national debt

What We Know

The national debt of the United States is a substantial figure, currently standing at approximately $36.21 trillion as of June 4, 2025. This represents an increase of $1.56 trillion from the previous year and a staggering $10.29 trillion increase over the past five years (Joint Economic Committee). The debt per person is roughly $106,447, and per household, it is about $273,904 (Understanding the National Debt).

The national debt is primarily composed of public debt, which includes Treasury securities such as bills, notes, and bonds. As of May 2025, the public debt amounted to $28.95 trillion, with a significant portion held in various forms of Treasury securities (Joint Economic Committee). The U.S. has historically carried debt since its founding, with notable increases during major events such as wars and economic crises (Understanding the National Debt).

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. has a significant national debt is supported by multiple credible sources. The Joint Economic Committee's report provides detailed statistics on the growth of the national debt, indicating a consistent upward trend over the years, particularly during periods of increased government spending (Joint Economic Committee).

The U.S. Treasury also corroborates these figures, noting that the national debt has surpassed $36 trillion, with a significant portion attributed to ongoing budget deficits where government expenditures exceed revenues (Understanding the National Debt). Furthermore, the Congressional Research Service outlines the implications of the debt limit and its impact on federal borrowing, reinforcing the significance of the current debt levels (Congress.gov).

While some sources, such as Wikipedia, provide general information about the national debt, they do not offer the same level of detail or recent data as the reports from the Joint Economic Committee and the U.S. Treasury (Wikipedia). Thus, while Wikipedia can be a starting point for understanding the national debt, it is essential to rely on official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the U.S. has a significant national debt is indeed true. The current national debt exceeds $36 trillion, reflecting a long-standing trend of increasing federal borrowing to cover budget deficits. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the magnitude of the national debt and its implications for the U.S. economy.