Three things to know about the $40 trillion federal debt

OMEGAZEPRIME News
Published on August 20, 2026 • Originally reported by Scott Horsley. OMEGAZEPRIME provides independent news coverage and analysis for our readers. Stay informed with the latest developments.
The federal debt topped $40 trillion for the first time this week. Investors who buy government bonds are demanding higher interest rates to finance the growing debt load.

The U.S. federal debt hit a record $40 trillion this week. The debt has doubled since 2017, and just paying interest on the accumulated debt now costs the government more than $1 trillion a year.

(Image credit: Mandel Ngan)

OMEGAZEPRIME News — For more stories and analysis, visit omegazeprime.com

SUPPORT OMEGAZEPRIME

Help us keep delivering breaking news and world updates.

PayPalShop OMEGAZEPIX