U.S. National Debt Interest Payments Reach $24 Billion Weekly

The U.S. government continues to borrow at a significant rate, with the federal deficit for the fiscal year 2026 totaling nearly $1.4 trillion as of the first nine months. This amount exceeds the $1.3 trillion deficit recorded during the same period in 2025. The total U.S. national debt currently stands at $39.4 trillion. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), net interest on public debt for the fiscal year has reached $857 billion, equating to approximately $23.8 billion per week. This figure represents an increase of about $100 billion (13%) compared to the same timeframe in 2025, attributed to a higher total debt burden and increased long-term interest rates. Interest payments now exceed the combined outlays for several federal departments, including Defense and Education. Additionally, spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid has risen significantly due to an aging population and increased enrollment. Experts express concern over the U.S. fiscal trajectory, with calls for action from organizations such as the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. The committee's president, Maya MacGuineas, highlighted the urgency of addressing the deficit and the potential exhaustion of trust funds for Social Security and Medicare within seven years.