Budget watchdog on $38 trillion national debt: ‘It’s tough to decide what the most appalling part is of today’s announcement’

Core Viewpoint - The escalating U.S. national debt, which has surpassed $38 trillion, poses significant concerns for the economy, particularly regarding the increasing interest payments and the debt-to-GDP ratio, which is projected to reach 156% by 2055 [2][4][6]. Group 1: Current Debt Situation - The U.S. national debt has reached $38 trillion, with projections indicating it could hit $39 trillion within months due to accelerated borrowing [5][6]. - As of September, the U.S. spent $1.21 trillion on interest payments, accounting for 17% of total federal spending for fiscal year 2025 [2]. - The average interest rate for U.S. government debt has increased from 1.61% in 2021 to 3.36% currently [2]. Group 2: Economic Implications - Economists express concern over the debt-to-GDP ratio, currently around 125%, which is expected to rise significantly, indicating that spending is outpacing economic growth [4][6]. - The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget highlights that gross national debt is now 123% of GDP, a level not seen outside of wartime [7]. Group 3: Political Response and Proposals - There is criticism of Washington's approach to managing national debt, with calls for more responsible budgeting and spending cuts [3][10]. - President Trump has proposed unconventional methods to address the debt, including a "Gold Card" plan for wealthy immigrants, which he claims could generate significant revenue [14][15]. - The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Trump's tariff policies could reduce deficits by $4 trillion over the next decade, although the effectiveness of these measures remains debated [12][13].