The U.S. debt tops a record-shattering $40 trillion. Yes, with a T.
- Posted on August 19, 2026
- By NPR
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- 1 min read
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The U.S. debt tops a record-shattering $40 trillion. Yes, with a T.
The federal debt reached $40 trillion as the government adds red ink at a rapid rate. That's leading nervous investors to demand higher interest rates —pushing up borrowing costs for everyone else.