US Debt. Photo by BeInCrypto The US federal government's interest payments on national debt surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in fiscal year 2025. Interest expenditure now exceeds both defense spending and Medicare—a first in American history. Wall Street analysts and social media users alike are invoking "Weimar" as warnings of fiscal crisis mount. Meanwhile, the US Treasury is positioning stablecoins as a strategic tool to absorb the growing flood of government debt. The Numbers: A Crisis in P ...

Core Insights - The U.S. national debt has reached over $37.86 trillion as of September 2025, marking the highest level in history and significantly increasing since 2020 [3][5] - The government is forecasting a deficit of $1.97 trillion for 2025, indicating ongoing fiscal challenges [1] - Ray Dalio warns that the U.S. is on a path toward a debt-induced crisis, with potential implications for inflation, interest rates, and global markets [4][6] Debt Growth and Economic Implications - The rapid increase in national debt is attributed to stimulus measures and expanded unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with rising interest rates from the Federal Reserve [2][6] - Dalio emphasizes that debt growth is outpacing income growth, which could lead to a loss of market confidence and a potential debt spiral [7][8] - The debt-to-GDP ratio is now significantly above historical averages, creating a cycle of borrowing that successive governments struggle to escape [6] Investor Strategies - Investors are advised to diversify their portfolios to mitigate risks associated with rising debt and inflation [12][19] - Fixed-income assets such as investment-grade corporates and municipal bonds are suggested as alternatives to U.S. Treasuries, which may lose their status as a safe investment [14][19] - Gold and commodities are recommended as hedges against inflation, while equities with strong pricing power may perform well in a high-debt environment [16][19] - Maintaining liquidity through high-yield savings accounts or mid-term CDs is also advised to navigate potential economic instability [17][19]