Fact Check: "Trillions of dollars have been added to the national debt in recent years."
What We Know
The national debt of the United States has indeed seen significant increases in recent years. As of June 2025, the total gross national debt reached approximately $36.21 trillion, which is an increase of about $1.56 trillion from the previous year and $10.29 trillion higher than five years ago (Joint Economic Committee). This increase can be attributed to various factors, including budget deficits where government spending exceeds revenue. In fact, the U.S. government has run a budget deficit for most of the last 50 years, with the most recent fiscal year showing a deficit of around $1.20 trillion (U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data).
The national debt is the accumulation of annual budget deficits, which have been exacerbated by significant spending during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, and the 2008 Great Recession (Understanding the National Debt). From FY 2019 to FY 2021 alone, federal spending increased by approximately 50% due to pandemic-related expenditures (Understanding the National Debt).
Analysis
The claim that "trillions of dollars have been added to the national debt in recent years" is supported by substantial data from credible sources. The Joint Economic Committee's report indicates a clear upward trend in the national debt, with daily increases averaging $4.27 billion (Joint Economic Committee). This data is corroborated by the U.S. Treasury, which outlines the relationship between budget deficits and the national debt, emphasizing that the government has spent significantly more than it has collected in revenue (U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are official government publications and reports from established economic committees. The U.S. Treasury provides comprehensive fiscal data, while the Joint Economic Committee is a bipartisan committee that focuses on economic issues, lending credibility to their findings.
However, it is important to note that the national debt is a complex issue influenced by various economic factors, including tax policies and spending priorities. While the increase in debt is alarming, it is also essential to consider the context in which this debt has been incurred, such as the need for government intervention during economic crises.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "trillions of dollars have been added to the national debt in recent years" is accurate based on the evidence presented. The national debt has indeed increased significantly, with the total gross national debt surpassing $36 trillion as of June 2025. This increase is primarily due to ongoing budget deficits driven by high levels of government spending relative to revenue.
