Source: Fortune
Summary
The US government’s fiscal deficit has reached $1.4 trillion for the first nine months of the 2026 fiscal year, surpassing the borrowing levels of 2025. The total US national debt now sits at $39.4 trillion. The monthly borrowing for 2026 is approximately $155 billion, with an interest cost of $857 billion for the fiscal year. This is a 13% increase from the previous year, largely due to a higher total debt burden and higher long-term interest rates.
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The numbers tell one story.
The US government’s borrowing habits are a concern, with a deficit of $1.4 trillion for the first nine months of the 2026 fiscal year. The interest cost of $857 billion for the fiscal year is a significant burden. The demand on government purse springs is increasing, with rising costs for social security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The US population is aging, with the median age rising from 39.2 in 2024 to 39.4 in 2025.
The strategy enters a familiar phase: politicians are calling for action, but so far, there hasn’t been much response. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, is urging policymakers to address the government’s borrowing and make changes to entitlements.
The situation is likely the tip of the iceberg if policymakers don’t make changes.
Author: Evan Null
