Fact Check: "The U.S. national debt exceeds $36 trillion."
What We Know
As of October 2023, the U.S. national debt is reported to be approximately $33 trillion, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This figure is regularly updated and reflects the total outstanding debt of the federal government, which includes both public debt and intragovernmental holdings. The national debt has been a topic of concern and discussion, particularly as it approaches historical highs.
The claim that the national debt exceeds $36 trillion lacks current substantiation, as the latest figures from reliable government sources indicate it is below that threshold. Furthermore, projections for future debt levels do suggest that the national debt could surpass $36 trillion in the coming years, particularly if current fiscal policies remain unchanged, but that is speculative at this point.
Analysis
The assertion that the U.S. national debt exceeds $36 trillion is unverified based on the most recent data available. The U.S. Treasury's official reports provide the most reliable figures regarding national debt, and they currently show a total of around $33 trillion.
While some financial analysts and economists have projected that the national debt could exceed $36 trillion in the near future due to ongoing budget deficits and economic conditions, these are projections and not current figures. For instance, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has indicated that if current trends continue, the debt could reach $36 trillion by the mid-2030s (CBO Report). However, these projections do not support the claim that the debt has already surpassed this amount.
In evaluating the reliability of sources, the U.S. Treasury and CBO are considered authoritative and credible, as they are official government entities responsible for fiscal policy and economic analysis. Any claims made by non-governmental sources or speculative analyses should be treated with caution unless they are corroborated by official data.
Conclusion
The claim that "The U.S. national debt exceeds $36 trillion" is unverified. Current data from authoritative sources indicates that the national debt is approximately $33 trillion, with projections suggesting it may exceed $36 trillion in the future. However, as of now, the claim does not align with the most recent and reliable statistics.
