Core Insights - The national mood regarding the United States' financial health is negative as the country enters 2026, with a significant focus on the $38 trillion national debt [1] - A report indicates that 82% of voters believe lawmakers should prioritize addressing the national debt, reflecting a decline in confidence regarding fiscal management [2][3] - The events of 2025, including a historic government shutdown and high interest costs, have intensified public concern about the debt crisis as the election cycle begins [3] Voter Sentiment - The January 2026 index shows a score of 51, indicating a six-point drop from January 2025, highlighting voters' urgency to tackle the unsustainable national debt [2] - Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Foundation, links public anxiety to economic impacts, emphasizing that rising debt pressures inflation and interest rates, affecting the cost of living and economic growth [4] Bipartisan Consensus - There is a notable bipartisan agreement on the need for fiscal restraint, with 79% of voters considering debt reduction a top-three priority for both the president and Congress [5] - Breakdown by party affiliation shows 89% of Republicans, 75% of Democrats, and 70% of independents view debt reduction as a priority, indicating cross-party alignment on this issue [5]