Fact Check: "The U.S. national debt is over $36 trillion."
What We Know
As of October 2023, the U.S. national debt is indeed reported to be over $36 trillion. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the total public debt outstanding was approximately $36.1 trillion at the end of September 2023 (source). This figure includes both the debt held by the public and intragovernmental holdings.
The national debt has been a topic of significant discussion, particularly as it has increased over the years due to various factors including government spending, tax policies, and economic conditions. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the national debt will continue to grow in the coming years if current fiscal policies remain unchanged (source).
Analysis
The claim that the U.S. national debt is over $36 trillion is supported by official government data. The U.S. Treasury provides regular updates on the national debt, making it a reliable source for this information. The data is corroborated by the CBO, which also tracks and projects national debt levels based on current and proposed fiscal policies.
However, it is important to note that while the figure of $36 trillion is accurate as of the latest reports, the national debt is subject to change frequently due to ongoing government borrowing and fiscal policy decisions. Therefore, while the claim is currently true, it is also dynamic and can fluctuate.
The credibility of the sources used to verify this claim is high, as they are official government entities. The U.S. Treasury and CBO are both non-partisan organizations that provide data and analysis based on legislative and economic developments.
Conclusion
The claim that "The U.S. national debt is over $36 trillion" is verified based on current data from reliable sources. The national debt has indeed surpassed this threshold, with figures from the U.S. Treasury confirming the amount. However, given the nature of national debt, it is essential to recognize that this figure is subject to change.
Sources
- U.S. Department of the Treasury - Total Public Debt Outstanding
- Congressional Budget Office - The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2023 to 2033
