US National Debt Soars Past $38.5 Trillion Mark in Early January 2026

TLDR

• US debt exceeds $38.5T in 2026, rising over $2T from the previous year.
• Interest payments on the debt now surpass $1T annually.
• Average household debt burden hits about $285,000 in 2026.
• DOGE reports $202B in savings, or $1,254 per taxpayer, since its launch.

The United States has reached a new fiscal milestone as the national debt crossed $38.5 trillion at the start of 2026. This amount equals about $114,000 per person and more than $285,000 per household, reflecting growing pressure on families and federal finances.

Debt Surges Faster Than Forecasted

In January 2026, the U.S. national debt officially passed $38.5 trillion, a level previously projected for around 2030. The increase of over $2 trillion in the past year alone shows the scale of ongoing budget deficits and rising borrowing costs.

Each American now shares an average of $114,000 in federal debt. For the average household, this number reaches approximately $285,000. The rapid rise reflects years of accumulated spending and interest costs that continue to grow.

Interest Payments Now Exceed $1 Trillion Annually

The federal government’s annual interest payments have become one of the fastest-growing expenses. In 2020, interest payments totaled $345 billion. Just six years later, they have nearly tripled, reaching over $1 trillion per year.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget described this trend as the new standard. Servicing the debt now consumes a large share of federal revenue, surpassing traditional spending categories such as defense.

Federal Measures Bring Savings but Not Relief

The White House credits several policy measures for slowing the debt-to-GDP ratio, including tariff increases and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). President Donald Trump, now serving a second term, signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in 2025. The package combined tax cuts and new spending at a projected cost of $3.4 trillion over a decade.

DOGE has reported $202 billion in savings since its launch, which equals about $1,254.66 per taxpayer. However, this amount remains small compared to the size of the debt. Tariff revenues have also increased, rising from $7 billion in 2025 to $25 billion by mid-2026, but still represent less than 0.07% of the total debt.

Warnings From Economists and Market Leaders

Economists and financial leaders have raised concerns about the pace of debt growth. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has called the debt problem the “most predictable crisis” in modern times. Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, warned that continued borrowing could trigger an “economic heart attack.”

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that the issue demands an “adult conversation” among policymakers. However, efforts to change the course have so far been limited. Growth policies and cost-cutting measures continue, but the debt continues to rise faster than revenues.

Broader Economic Context

While the national debt climbs, the wealth divide remains sharp. Baby boomers now control $85 trillion in wealth, while millennials hold just $18 trillion. In the private sector, companies like SpaceX, valued at $800 billion, have grown larger than top U.S. defense contractors.

The debt milestone comes amid changing economic conditions, higher prices across the economy, and renewed discussions on government fiscal strategy. While some gains are reported from policy shifts, they remain far from matching the growing debt totals.

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