Fact Check: "The U.S. national debt was approximately $36 trillion as of 2023."
What We Know
As of October 2023, the U.S. national debt is reported to be around $33 trillion. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the total public debt outstanding was approximately $33.5 trillion. This figure includes both public debt and intragovernmental holdings. The national debt has been a topic of significant discussion, especially as it has been increasing over the years due to various fiscal policies and economic conditions.
Analysis
The claim that the U.S. national debt was approximately $36 trillion as of 2023 lacks verification based on current data. The most credible and direct source for national debt figures is the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which provides up-to-date information on the national debt. Their latest reports indicate that the debt is around $33 trillion, significantly lower than the claimed figure.
Additionally, other financial news outlets and economic analyses corroborate this figure, stating that the national debt has not yet reached $36 trillion as of late 2023. For instance, a report by CNBC discusses the implications of the national debt and its current standing, further confirming that the debt is below the $36 trillion mark.
The discrepancy in the claim could stem from projections or estimates that anticipate future increases in the national debt, but as of the current date, the verified figure is approximately $33 trillion.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that the U.S. national debt was approximately $36 trillion as of 2023 is unverified. The most reliable sources indicate that the national debt is approximately $33 trillion, which is significantly lower than the claim. Without credible evidence to support the $36 trillion figure, it remains unverified.
