【环球财经】美国债务雪球越滚越大 化解危机“没有简单方案”

Core Points - The U.S. federal government debt has surpassed $37 trillion, highlighting the growing concern over the nation's fiscal health and the potential risks associated with this escalating debt burden [1][2] - The imbalance between government spending and revenue is alarming, with an annual deficit nearing $2 trillion, and interest payments on the debt now the second-largest budget item, exceeding defense and Medicare expenditures [2][3] - Experts warn that the current trajectory of debt accumulation could lead to a loss of confidence in the U.S. government's ability to manage its finances, with all three major credit rating agencies having downgraded the country's credit rating [3][4] Debt Expansion Concerns - The U.S. debt has increased significantly from $10 trillion in 2008 to over $37 trillion, with rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic contributing to this trend [2] - The U.S. government is projected to spend $1 trillion on interest payments this year, which is a substantial burden on the federal budget [2] - The long-term outlook is dire, with projections suggesting that U.S. debt could reach $150 trillion by 2055 if current trends continue [3][4] Political Challenges - Bipartisan efforts to address the debt crisis have been hindered by political interests, making it difficult to implement effective solutions [5][6] - Proposed measures, such as spending cuts and tax increases, face significant opposition from both parties, complicating the path to fiscal responsibility [6][7] - The reliance on debt as a means to address immediate fiscal challenges has created a cycle of dependency that is difficult to break [5][6] Economic Implications - The increasing debt levels are expected to exert upward pressure on interest rates, which could raise living costs for ordinary citizens and reduce private sector investment [2][3] - High tariffs and other fiscal measures proposed by the government may not adequately address the underlying issues of rising debt and could lead to negative economic consequences [6][7] - The potential for reduced international capital flow and demand for U.S. Treasury bonds due to high tariffs poses additional risks to the country's financial stability [7]