The US gross national debt surpassed $40 trillion for the first time on August 19, 2026, according to the US Treasury Department. The latest report indicated a debt balance of $40.047 trillion as of Tuesday afternoon, marking the highest level in US history. This increase in debt has occurred alongside a doubling of the government deficit over the past decade.
✓ AI-Debiased Article
4
Wire-neutral
provisional
✓ No loaded language, vague sourcing, or framing detected.
US Gross National Debt Exceeds $40 Trillion for the First Time
On August 19, 2026, the US gross national debt reached $40 trillion for the first time, as reported by the US Treasury Department. The debt balance was recorded at $40.047 trillion, reflecting a significant increase in government spending and a doubling of the deficit over the last ten years.
Compare the coverage
Annotating as
No note attached
on this article.
Read next
US Bond Market Experiences Significant Yields Increase
Vox
Long-term government debt interest rates rise in US, UK, Germany, and Japan
BBC — Business
Treasury Department to Increase Debt Buybacks Following Bond Yield Increase
The Hill
Treasury Department Increases Debt Buyback Operations Amid Bond Market Stress
Washington Examiner
U.S. Treasury Department to Increase Bond Buybacks Amid Rising Yields
apnews.com
Original vs. Neutral
Original Headline
US gross national debt tops $40tn for first time
Neutral Headline
US Gross National Debt Exceeds $40 Trillion for the First Time