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National debt of the United States

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National debt of the United States

The national debt of the United States is the total national debt owed by the federal government of the United States to treasury security holders. The national debt at a given point in time is the face value of the then outstanding treasury securities that have been issued by the Treasury and other federal agencies. The US Department of the Treasury publishes a daily total of the national debt, which as of 16 October 2025 is $38 trillion. Treasury reports: "The Debt to the Penny dataset provides information about the total outstanding public debt and is reported each day. Debt to the Penny is made up of intragovernmental holdings and debt held by the public, including securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. Total public debt outstanding is composed of Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), Floating Rate Notes (FRNs), and Federal Financing Bank (FFB) securities, as well as Domestic Series, Foreign Series, State and Local Government Series (SLGS), U.S. Savings Securities, and Government Account Series (GAS) securities." Related terms such as "national deficit" and "national surplus" refer to the federal government budget balance from year to year and not the cumulative amount of debt held. In a deficit year, the national debt increases as the government needs to borrow funds to finance the deficit. In a surplus year, the debt decreases as more money is received than spent, enabling the government to reduce the debt by buying back Treasury securities or by issuing less new debt than old debt it redeems at maturity. Broadly, US government debt increases as a result of government spending and decreases from tax or other funding receipts, both of which fluctuate during a fiscal year. The aggregate, gross amount that Treasury can borrow is limited by the United States debt ceiling. There are two components of gross national debt:

"Debt held by the public" – such as Treasury securities held by investors outside the federal government, including those held by individuals, corporations, the Federal Reserve, and foreign, state and local governments. "Debt held by government accounts" or "intragovernmental debt" – is non-marketable Treasury securities held in accounts of programs administered by the federal government, such as the Social Security Trust Fund. Debt held by government accounts represents the cumulative surpluses, including interest earnings, of various government programs that have been invested in Treasury securities.

Historically, the U.S. public debt as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) increases during wars and recessions and then subsequently declines. For instance, most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government spent trillions in virus aid and economic relief. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the budget deficit for fiscal year 2020 would increase to $3.3 trillion or 16% GDP, more than triple that of 2019 and the largest as a percentage of GDP since 1945. In December 2021, debt held by the public was estimated at 96.19% of GDP, and approximately 33% of this public debt was owned by foreigners (government and private). The ratio of debt to GDP may decrease as a result of a government surplus or via growth of GDP and inflation. The CBO estimated in February 2024 that Federal debt held by the public is projected to rise from 99 percent of GDP in 2024 to 116 percent in 2034, and would continue to grow if current laws generally remained unchanged. Over that period, the growth of interest costs and mandatory spending outpaces the growth of revenues and the economy, driving up debt. If those factors persist beyond 2034, pushing federal debt higher still, to 172 percent of GDP in 2054. The United States has the largest external debt in the world. The total amount of U.S. Treasury securities held by foreign entities in December 2021 was $7.7 trillion, up from $7.1 trillion in December 2020. Total US federal government debt breached the $30 trillion mark for the first time in history in February 2022. In December 2023, total federal debt was $33.1 trillion; $26.5 trillion held by the public and $12.1 trillion in intragovernmental debt. The annualized cost of servicing this debt was $726 billion in July 2023, which accounted for 14% of the total federal spending. Additionally, in recent decades, aging demographics and rising healthcare costs have led to concern about the long-term sustainability of the federal government's fiscal policies. In February 2024, the total federal government debt rose to $34.4 trillion, after increasing by approximately $1 trillion during each of two separate 100-day periods since the previous June. In 2024, federal interest payments on the national debt surpassed spending on both Medicare and national defense. On October 23, 2025, the National debt reached $38 trillion dollars, a new high. The milestone was achieved amidst a Federal government shutdown, which by then had been going on for 23 days. The shutdown caused delays in economic activity and the postponement of financial decisions, pushing the number even further up. An increase of $1 trillion dollars, from $37 to $38 trillion, was recorded between Aug. 12 and Oct. 23 of the same year, a time interval of merely 71 days. In addition, more than $382 billion dollars of debt were added in the first 23 days of the government shutdown alone, according to the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), translating to an average rate of increase of $192,200 per second.

Tables

Recent debt service statistics. And federal receipts. Billions of dollars. · Economic risks and debates › Interest and debt service costs › Recent statistics
2023
2023
FY
2023
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
875.5
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
981
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
678
FRED: Fed Receipts.
4439
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
22%
2022
2022
FY
2022
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
723.6
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
829.6
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
496.5
FRED: Fed Receipts.
4896
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
17%
2021
2021
FY
2021
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
575
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
612
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
392
FRED: Fed Receipts.
4047
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
15%
2020
2020
FY
2020
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
527
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
517.7
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
371
FRED: Fed Receipts.
3421
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
15%
2019
2019
FY
2019
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
574
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
564.5
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
404
FRED: Fed Receipts.
3463
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
16%
2018
2018
FY
2018
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
528.4
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
571
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
357
FRED: Fed Receipts.
3330
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
17%
2017
2017
FY
2017
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
456.7
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
493
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
296
FRED: Fed Receipts.
3316
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
15%
2016
2016
FY
2016
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
430
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
460
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
273
FRED: Fed Receipts.
3268
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
14%
2015
2015
FY
2015
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
407
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
434.7
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
251
FRED: Fed Receipts.
3250
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
13%
2014
2014
FY
2014
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
433
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
442
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
260
FRED: Fed Receipts.
3021
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
15%
2013
2013
FY
2013
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
425
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
425
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
247.6
FRED: Fed Receipts.
2775
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
15%
2012
2012
FY
2012
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
432
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
417
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
245.4
FRED: Fed Receipts.
2450
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
17%
2011
2011
FY
2011
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
453.6
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
433
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
250.9
FRED: Fed Receipts.
2303
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
19%
2010
2010
FY
2010
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
413
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
399.5
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
215
FRED: Fed Receipts.
2162.7
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
18%
2009
2009
FY
2009
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
380.7
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
353.8
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
189
FRED: Fed Receipts.
2105
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
17%
FY
GAO: (Total) Debt Service
FRED: (Total) Debt Service.
GAO: (Publicly-held) Debt Service
FRED: Fed Receipts.
FRED: Debt Service/Receipts
2023
875.5
981
678
4439
22%
2022
723.6
829.6
496.5
4896
17%
2021
575
612
392
4047
15%
2020
527
517.7
371
3421
15%
2019
574
564.5
404
3463
16%
2018
528.4
571
357
3330
17%
2017
456.7
493
296
3316
15%
2016
430
460
273
3268
14%
2015
407
434.7
251
3250
13%
2014
433
442
260
3021
15%
2013
425
425
247.6
2775
15%
2012
432
417
245.4
2450
17%
2011
453.6
433
250.9
2303
19%
2010
413
399.5
215
2162.7
18%
2009
380.7
353.8
189
2105
17%
· Appendix › National debt for selected years
1910
1910
mw- Fiscal year
1910
Total debt,$Bln
2.65/-
Total debtas % of GDP
8.1%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
2.65
Public debtas % of GDP
8.1%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
est. 32.8
1920
1920
mw- Fiscal year
1920
Total debt,$Bln
25.95/-
Total debtas % of GDP
29.2%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
25.95
Public debtas % of GDP
29.2%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
est. 88.6
1927
1927
mw- Fiscal year
1927
Total debt,$Bln
18.51/-
Total debtas % of GDP
19.2%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
18.51
Public debtas % of GDP
19.2%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
est. 96.5
1930
1930
mw- Fiscal year
1930
Total debt,$Bln
16.19/-
Total debtas % of GDP
16.6%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
16.19
Public debtas % of GDP
16.6%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
est. 97.4
1940
1940
mw- Fiscal year
1940
Total debt,$Bln
42.97/50.70
Total debtas % of GDP
43.8–51.6%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
42.77
Public debtas % of GDP
43.6%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
-/98.2
1950
1950
mw- Fiscal year
1950
Total debt,$Bln
257.3/256.9
Total debtas % of GDP
92.0%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
219.00
Public debtas % of GDP
78.4%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
279.0
1960
1960
mw- Fiscal year
1960
Total debt,$Bln
286.3/290.5
Total debtas % of GDP
53.6–54.2%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
236.80
Public debtas % of GDP
44.3%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
535.1
1970
1970
mw- Fiscal year
1970
Total debt,$Bln
370.9/380.9
Total debtas % of GDP
35.0–36.0%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
283.20
Public debtas % of GDP
27.0%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
1,061
1980
1980
mw- Fiscal year
1980
Total debt,$Bln
907.7/909.0
Total debtas % of GDP
32.4–32.6%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
711.90
Public debtas % of GDP
25.5%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
2,792
1990
1990
mw- Fiscal year
1990
Total debt,$Bln
3,233/3,206
Total debtas % of GDP
54.4–54.8%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
2,400
Public debtas % of GDP
40.8%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
5,899
2000
2000
mw- Fiscal year
2000
Total debt,$Bln
a15,659
Total debtas % of GDP
a 55.9%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 3,450
Public debtas % of GDP
33.9%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
10,150
2001
2001
mw- Fiscal year
2001
Total debt,$Bln
a2 5,792
Total debtas % of GDP
a 55.0%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 3,350
Public debtas % of GDP
31.6%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
10,550
2002
2002
mw- Fiscal year
2002
Total debt,$Bln
a3 6,213
Total debtas % of GDP
a 57.4%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 3,550
Public debtas % of GDP
32.7%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
10,800
2003
2003
mw- Fiscal year
2003
Total debt,$Bln
a 6,783
Total debtas % of GDP
a 60.1%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 3,900
Public debtas % of GDP
34.6%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
11,300
2004
2004
mw- Fiscal year
2004
Total debt,$Bln
a 7,379
Total debtas % of GDP
a 61.3%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 4,300
Public debtas % of GDP
35.6%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
12,050
2005
2005
mw- Fiscal year
2005
Total debt,$Bln
a4 7,918
Total debtas % of GDP
a 61.7%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 4,600
Public debtas % of GDP
35.7%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
12,850
2006
2006
mw- Fiscal year
2006
Total debt,$Bln
a5 8,493
Total debtas % of GDP
a 62.3%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 4,850
Public debtas % of GDP
35.4%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
13,650
2007
2007
mw- Fiscal year
2007
Total debt,$Bln
a6 8,993
Total debtas % of GDP
a 62.9%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 5,050
Public debtas % of GDP
35.3%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
14,300
2008
2008
mw- Fiscal year
2008
Total debt,$Bln
a7 10,011
Total debtas % of GDP
a 67.7%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 5,800
Public debtas % of GDP
39.4%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
14,800
2009
2009
mw- Fiscal year
2009
Total debt,$Bln
a8 11,898
Total debtas % of GDP
a 82.2%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 7,550
Public debtas % of GDP
52.4%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
14,450
2010
2010
mw- Fiscal year
2010
Total debt,$Bln
a9 13,551
Total debtas % of GDP
a 91.0%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 9,000
Public debtas % of GDP
61.0%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
14,900
2011
2011
mw- Fiscal year
2011
Total debt,$Bln
a10 14,781
Total debtas % of GDP
a 95.6%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 10,150
Public debtas % of GDP
65.8%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
15,450
2012
2012
mw- Fiscal year
2012
Total debt,$Bln
a11 16,059
Total debtas % of GDP
a 99.7%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 11,250
Public debtas % of GDP
70.3%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
16,100
2013
2013
mw- Fiscal year
2013
Total debt,$Bln
a12 16,732
Total debtas % of GDP
a 100.4%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 12,000
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
16,650
2014
2014
mw- Fiscal year
2014
Total debt,$Bln
a13 17,810
Total debtas % of GDP
a 102.5%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
a 12,800
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
17,350
2015
2015
mw- Fiscal year
2015
Total debt,$Bln
a14 18,138
Total debtas % of GDP
a 100.3%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
13,124
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
18,100
2016
2016
mw- Fiscal year
2016
Total debt,$Bln
a15 19,560
Total debtas % of GDP
a105.5%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
14,173
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
18,550
2017
2017
mw- Fiscal year
2017
Total debt,$Bln
a16 20,233
Total debtas % of GDP
a105.1%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
14,673
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
19,250
2018
2018
mw- Fiscal year
2018
Total debt,$Bln
a17 21,506
Total debtas % of GDP
a106.0%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
15,761
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
20,300
2019
2019
mw- Fiscal year
2019
Total debt,$Bln
a18 22,711
Total debtas % of GDP
a107.4%
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
16,809
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
21,150
2020
2020
mw- Fiscal year
2020
Total debt,$Bln
26,938
Total debtas % of GDP
128.0%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
21,050
2021Oct. '20 – Jun '21 only
2021Oct. '20 – Jun '21 only
mw- Fiscal year
2021Oct. '20 – Jun '21 only
Total debt,$Bln
28,529
Total debtas % of GDP
130.6%
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
21,850
mw- Fiscal year
Total debt,$Bln
Total debtas % of GDP
Public debt,$Bln, 1996–
Public debtas % of GDP
GDP, $Bln,BEA/OMB
1910
2.65/-
8.1%
2.65
8.1%
est. 32.8
1920
25.95/-
29.2%
25.95
29.2%
est. 88.6
1927
18.51/-
19.2%
18.51
19.2%
est. 96.5
1930
16.19/-
16.6%
16.19
16.6%
est. 97.4
1940
42.97/50.70
43.8–51.6%
42.77
43.6%
-/98.2
1950
257.3/256.9
92.0%
219.00
78.4%
279.0
1960
286.3/290.5
53.6–54.2%
236.80
44.3%
535.1
1970
370.9/380.9
35.0–36.0%
283.20
27.0%
1,061
1980
907.7/909.0
32.4–32.6%
711.90
25.5%
2,792
1990
3,233/3,206
54.4–54.8%
2,400
40.8%
5,899
2000
a15,659
a 55.9%
a 3,450
33.9%
10,150
2001
a2 5,792
a 55.0%
a 3,350
31.6%
10,550
2002
a3 6,213
a 57.4%
a 3,550
32.7%
10,800
2003
a 6,783
a 60.1%
a 3,900
34.6%
11,300
2004
a 7,379
a 61.3%
a 4,300
35.6%
12,050
2005
a4 7,918
a 61.7%
a 4,600
35.7%
12,850
2006
a5 8,493
a 62.3%
a 4,850
35.4%
13,650
2007
a6 8,993
a 62.9%
a 5,050
35.3%
14,300
2008
a7 10,011
a 67.7%
a 5,800
39.4%
14,800
2009
a8 11,898
a 82.2%
a 7,550
52.4%
14,450
2010
a9 13,551
a 91.0%
a 9,000
61.0%
14,900
2011
a10 14,781
a 95.6%
a 10,150
65.8%
15,450
2012
a11 16,059
a 99.7%
a 11,250
70.3%
16,100
2013
a12 16,732
a 100.4%
a 12,000
16,650
2014
a13 17,810
a 102.5%
a 12,800
17,350
2015
a14 18,138
a 100.3%
13,124
18,100
2016
a15 19,560
a105.5%
14,173
18,550
2017
a16 20,233
a105.1%
14,673
19,250
2018
a17 21,506
a106.0%
15,761
20,300
2019
a18 22,711
a107.4%
16,809
21,150
2020
26,938
128.0%
21,050
2021Oct. '20 – Jun '21 only
28,529
130.6%
21,850
· Appendix › Interest paid
2019
2019
FiscalYear
2019
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
22,719
Interest paid$billions, US
574.6
Interest rate
2.53%
2018
2018
FiscalYear
2018
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
21,516
Interest paid$billions, US
523.0
Interest rate
2.43%
2017
2017
FiscalYear
2017
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
20,244
Interest paid$billions, US
458.5
Interest rate
2.26%
2016
2016
FiscalYear
2016
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
19,573
Interest paid$billions, US
432.6
Interest rate
2.21%
2015
2015
FiscalYear
2015
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
18,150
Interest paid$billions, US
402.4
Interest rate
2.22%
2014
2014
FiscalYear
2014
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
17,824
Interest paid$billions, US
430.8
Interest rate
2.42%
2013
2013
FiscalYear
2013
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
16,738
Interest paid$billions, US
415.7
Interest rate
2.48%
2012
2012
FiscalYear
2012
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
16,066
Interest paid$billions, US
359.8
Interest rate
2.24%
2011
2011
FiscalYear
2011
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
14,790
Interest paid$billions, US
454.4
Interest rate
3.07%
2010
2010
FiscalYear
2010
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
13,562
Interest paid$billions, US
414.0
Interest rate
3.05%
2009
2009
FiscalYear
2009
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
11,910
Interest paid$billions, US
383.1
Interest rate
3.22%
2008
2008
FiscalYear
2008
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
10,025
Interest paid$billions, US
451.2
Interest rate
4.50%
2007
2007
FiscalYear
2007
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
9,008
Interest paid$billions, US
430.0
Interest rate
4.77%
2006
2006
FiscalYear
2006
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
8,507
Interest paid$billions, US
405.9
Interest rate
4.77%
2005
2005
FiscalYear
2005
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
7,933
Interest paid$billions, US
352.4
Interest rate
4.44%
2004
2004
FiscalYear
2004
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
7,379
Interest paid$billions, US
321.6
Interest rate
4.36%
2003
2003
FiscalYear
2003
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
6,783
Interest paid$billions, US
318.1
Interest rate
4.69%
2002
2002
FiscalYear
2002
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
6,228
Interest paid$billions, US
332.5
Interest rate
5.34%
2001
2001
FiscalYear
2001
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
5,807
Interest paid$billions, US
359.5
Interest rate
6.19%
2000
2000
FiscalYear
2000
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
5,674
Interest paid$billions, US
362.0
Interest rate
6.38%
1999
1999
FiscalYear
1999
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
5,656
Interest paid$billions, US
353.5
Interest rate
6.25%
1998
1998
FiscalYear
1998
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
5,526
Interest paid$billions, US
363.8
Interest rate
6.58%
1997
1997
FiscalYear
1997
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
5,413
Interest paid$billions, US
355.8
Interest rate
6.57%
1996
1996
FiscalYear
1996
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
5,225
Interest paid$billions, US
344.0
Interest rate
6.58%
1995
1995
FiscalYear
1995
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
4,974
Interest paid$billions, US
332.4
Interest rate
6.68%
1994
1994
FiscalYear
1994
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
4,693
Interest paid$billions, US
296.3
Interest rate
6.31%
1993
1993
FiscalYear
1993
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
4,411
Interest paid$billions, US
292.5
Interest rate
6.63%
1992
1992
FiscalYear
1992
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
4,065
Interest paid$billions, US
292.4
Interest rate
7.19%
1991
1991
FiscalYear
1991
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
3,665
Interest paid$billions, US
286.0
Interest rate
7.80%
FiscalYear
Historical debt outstanding,$billions, US
Interest paid$billions, US
Interest rate
2019
22,719
574.6
2.53%
2018
21,516
523.0
2.43%
2017
20,244
458.5
2.26%
2016
19,573
432.6
2.21%
2015
18,150
402.4
2.22%
2014
17,824
430.8
2.42%
2013
16,738
415.7
2.48%
2012
16,066
359.8
2.24%
2011
14,790
454.4
3.07%
2010
13,562
414.0
3.05%
2009
11,910
383.1
3.22%
2008
10,025
451.2
4.50%
2007
9,008
430.0
4.77%
2006
8,507
405.9
4.77%
2005
7,933
352.4
4.44%
2004
7,379
321.6
4.36%
2003
6,783
318.1
4.69%
2002
6,228
332.5
5.34%
2001
5,807
359.5
6.19%
2000
5,674
362.0
6.38%
1999
5,656
353.5
6.25%
1998
5,526
363.8
6.58%
1997
5,413
355.8
6.57%
1996
5,225
344.0
6.58%
1995
4,974
332.4
6.68%
1994
4,693
296.3
6.31%
1993
4,411
292.5
6.63%
1992
4,065
292.4
7.19%
1991
3,665
286.0
7.80%
· Appendix › Foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities
Country or region
Country or region
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Country or region
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Billions ofdollars (est.)
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
% change sinceJuly 2024
Japan
Japan
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Japan
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
1,151.4
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+ 5%
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
United Kingdom
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
899.3
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+23%
China
China
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
China
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
730.7
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
− 6%
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Cayman Islands
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
438.7
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+15%
Belgium
Belgium
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Belgium
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
428.2
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+36%
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Luxembourg
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
405.0
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+ 4%
France
France
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
France
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
392.0
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+35%
Canada
Canada
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Canada
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
381.4
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+ 2%
Ireland
Ireland
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Ireland
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
324.1
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
− 5%
Switzerland
Switzerland
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Switzerland
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
303.0
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+ 5%
Taiwan
Taiwan
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Taiwan
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
299.8
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+ 8%
Singapore
Singapore
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Singapore
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
253.6
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+10%
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Hong Kong
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
247.9
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+ 4%
India
India
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
India
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
219.7
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
− 8%
Norway
Norway
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Norway
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
208.0
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+30%
Brazil
Brazil
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Brazil
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
201.7
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
−12%
others
others
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
others
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
2,274.2
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+10%
Total
Total
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Total
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
9,158.7
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
+ 9%
Leading foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities as of July 2025
Country or region
Billions ofdollars (est.)
% change sinceJuly 2024
Japan
1,151.4
+ 5%
United Kingdom
899.3
+23%
China
730.7
− 6%
Cayman Islands
438.7
+15%
Belgium
428.2
+36%
Luxembourg
405.0
+ 4%
France
392.0
+35%
Canada
381.4
+ 2%
Ireland
324.1
− 5%
Switzerland
303.0
+ 5%
Taiwan
299.8
+ 8%
Singapore
253.6
+10%
Hong Kong
247.9
+ 4%
India
219.7
− 8%
Norway
208.0
+30%
Brazil
201.7
−12%
others
2,274.2
+10%
Total
9,158.7
+ 9%
Gross debt as percentage of GDP · Appendix › International debt comparisons
United States
United States
Entity
United States
2007
62%
2010
92%
2011
102%
2017/2018
108%
European Union
European Union
Entity
European Union
2007
59%
2010
80%
2011
83%
2017/2018
82%
Austria
Austria
Entity
Austria
2007
62%
2010
78%
2011
72%
2017/2018
78%
France
France
Entity
France
2007
64%
2010
82%
2011
86%
2017/2018
97%
Germany
Germany
Entity
Germany
2007
65%
2010
82%
2011
81%
2017/2018
64%
Sweden
Sweden
Entity
Sweden
2007
40%
2010
39%
2011
38%
2017/2018
41%
Finland
Finland
Entity
Finland
2007
35%
2010
48%
2011
49%
2017/2018
61%
Greece
Greece
Entity
Greece
2007
104%
2010
123%
2011
165%
2017/2018
179%
Romania
Romania
Entity
Romania
2007
13%
2010
31%
2011
33%
2017/2018
35%
Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Entity
Bulgaria
2007
17%
2010
16%
2011
16%
2017/2018
25%
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Entity
Czech Republic
2007
28%
2010
38%
2011
41%
2017/2018
35%
Italy
Italy
Entity
Italy
2007
112%
2010
119%
2011
120%
2017/2018
132%
Netherlands
Netherlands
Entity
Netherlands
2007
52%
2010
77%
2011
65%
2017/2018
57%
Poland
Poland
Entity
Poland
2007
51%
2010
55%
2011
56%
2017/2018
51%
Spain
Spain
Entity
Spain
2007
42%
2010
68%
2011
68%
2017/2018
98%
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Entity
United Kingdom
2007
47%
2010
80%
2011
86%
2017/2018
88%
Japan
Japan
Entity
Japan
2007
167%
2010
197%
2011
204%
2017/2018
236%
Russia
Russia
Entity
Russia
2007
9%
2010
12%
2011
10%
2017/2018
19%
Asia 1 (2017+)2
Asia 1 (2017+)2
Entity
Asia 1 (2017+)2
2007
37%
2010
40%
2011
41%
2017/2018
80%
Entity
2007
2010
2011
2017/2018
United States
62%
92%
102%
108%
European Union
59%
80%
83%
82%
Austria
62%
78%
72%
78%
France
64%
82%
86%
97%
Germany
65%
82%
81%
64%
Sweden
40%
39%
38%
41%
Finland
35%
48%
49%
61%
Greece
104%
123%
165%
179%
Romania
13%
31%
33%
35%
Bulgaria
17%
16%
16%
25%
Czech Republic
28%
38%
41%
35%
Italy
112%
119%
120%
132%
Netherlands
52%
77%
65%
57%
Poland
51%
55%
56%
51%
Spain
42%
68%
68%
98%
United Kingdom
47%
80%
86%
88%
Japan
167%
197%
204%
236%
Russia
9%
12%
10%
19%
Asia 1 (2017+)2
37%
40%
41%
80%
Recent additions to U.S. public debt[177][135][136][138] · Appendix › Recent additions to the public debt of the United States
1994
1994
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
1994
GDP$Billions
7,200
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
281–292
New debtas% of GDP
3.9–4.1%
Total debt$Billions
~4,650
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
64.6–65.2%
1995
1995
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
1995
GDP$Billions
7,600
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
277–281
New debtas% of GDP
3.7%
Total debt$Billions
~4,950
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
64.8–65.6%
1996
1996
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
1996
GDP$Billions
8,000
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
251–260
New debtas% of GDP
3.1–3.3%
Total debt$Billions
~5,200
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
65.0–65.4%
1997
1997
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
1997
GDP$Billions
8,500
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
188
New debtas% of GDP
2.2%
Total debt$Billions
~5,400
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
63.2–63.8%
1998
1998
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
1998
GDP$Billions
8,950
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
109–113
New debtas% of GDP
1.2–1.3%
Total debt$Billions
~5,500
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
61.2–61.8%
1999
1999
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
1999
GDP$Billions
9,500
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
127–130
New debtas% of GDP
1.3–1.4%
Total debt$Billions
5,656
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
59.3%
2000
2000
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2000
GDP$Billions
10,150
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
18
New debtas% of GDP
0.2%
Total debt$Billions
5,674
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
55.8%
2001
2001
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2001
GDP$Billions
10,550
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
133
New debtas% of GDP
1.3%
Total debt$Billions
5,792
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
54.8%
2002
2002
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2002
GDP$Billions
10,900
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
421
New debtas% of GDP
3.9%
Total debt$Billions
6,213
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
57.1%
2003
2003
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2003
GDP$Billions
11,350
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
570
New debtas% of GDP
5.0%
Total debt$Billions
6,783
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
59.9%
2004
2004
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2004
GDP$Billions
12,100
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
596
New debtas% of GDP
4.9%
Total debt$Billions
7,379
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
61.0%
2005
2005
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2005
GDP$Billions
12,900
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
539
New debtas% of GDP
4.2%
Total debt$Billions
7,918
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
61.4%
2006
2006
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2006
GDP$Billions
13,700
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
575
New debtas% of GDP
4.2%
Total debt$Billions
8,493
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
62.1%
2007
2007
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2007
GDP$Billions
14,300
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
500
New debtas% of GDP
3.5%
Total debt$Billions
8,993
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
62.8%
2008
2008
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2008
GDP$Billions
14,750
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
1,018
New debtas% of GDP
6.9%
Total debt$Billions
10,011
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
67.9%
2009
2009
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2009
GDP$Billions
14,400
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
1,887
New debtas% of GDP
13.1%
Total debt$Billions
11,898
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
82.5%
2010
2010
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2010
GDP$Billions
14,800
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
1,653
New debtas% of GDP
11.2%
Total debt$Billions
13,551
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
91.6%
2011
2011
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2011
GDP$Billions
15,400
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
1,230
New debtas% of GDP
8.0%
Total debt$Billions
14,781
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
96.1%
2012
2012
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2012
GDP$Billions
16,050
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
1,278
New debtas% of GDP
8.0%
Total debt$Billions
16,059
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
100.2%
2013
2013
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2013
GDP$Billions
16,500
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
673
New debtas% of GDP
4.1%
Total debt$Billions
16,732
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
101.3%
2014
2014
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2014
GDP$Billions
17,200
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
1,078
New debtas% of GDP
6.3%
Total debt$Billions
17,810
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
103.4%
2015
2015
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2015
GDP$Billions
17,900
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
328
New debtas% of GDP
1.8%
Total debt$Billions
18,138
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
101.3%
2016 (Oct. '15 – Jul. '16 only)
2016 (Oct. '15 – Jul. '16 only)
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
2016 (Oct. '15 – Jul. '16 only)
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
~1,290
New debtas% of GDP
~7.0%
Total debt$Billions
~19,428
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
~106.1%
Fiscal year (begins Oct. 1 of year priorto stated year)
GDP$Billions
New debtforfiscal year$Billions
New debtas% of GDP
Total debt$Billions
Total debtas % of GDP(Debt to GDPratio)
1994
7,200
281–292
3.9–4.1%
~4,650
64.6–65.2%
1995
7,600
277–281
3.7%
~4,950
64.8–65.6%
1996
8,000
251–260
3.1–3.3%
~5,200
65.0–65.4%
1997
8,500
188
2.2%
~5,400
63.2–63.8%
1998
8,950
109–113
1.2–1.3%
~5,500
61.2–61.8%
1999
9,500
127–130
1.3–1.4%
5,656
59.3%
2000
10,150
18
0.2%
5,674
55.8%
2001
10,550
133
1.3%
5,792
54.8%
2002
10,900
421
3.9%
6,213
57.1%
2003
11,350
570
5.0%
6,783
59.9%
2004
12,100
596
4.9%
7,379
61.0%
2005
12,900
539
4.2%
7,918
61.4%
2006
13,700
575
4.2%
8,493
62.1%
2007
14,300
500
3.5%
8,993
62.8%
2008
14,750
1,018
6.9%
10,011
67.9%
2009
14,400
1,887
13.1%
11,898
82.5%
2010
14,800
1,653
11.2%
13,551
91.6%
2011
15,400
1,230
8.0%
14,781
96.1%
2012
16,050
1,278
8.0%
16,059
100.2%
2013
16,500
673
4.1%
16,732
101.3%
2014
17,200
1,078
6.3%
17,810
103.4%
2015
17,900
328
1.8%
18,138
101.3%
2016 (Oct. '15 – Jul. '16 only)
~1,290
~7.0%
~19,428
~106.1%
· Appendix › Historical debt ceiling levels
Date
Date
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Date
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Debt Ceiling(billions of dollars)
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Change in Debt Ceiling(billions of dollars)
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Statute
June 25, 1940
June 25, 1940
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 25, 1940
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
49
February 19, 1941
February 19, 1941
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
February 19, 1941
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
65
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+16
March 28, 1942
March 28, 1942
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 28, 1942
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
125
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+60
April 11, 1943
April 11, 1943
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
April 11, 1943
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
210
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+85
June 9, 1944
June 9, 1944
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 9, 1944
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
260
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+50
April 3, 1945
April 3, 1945
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
April 3, 1945
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
300
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+40
June 26, 1946
June 26, 1946
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 26, 1946
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
275
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
−25
August 28, 1954
August 28, 1954
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 28, 1954
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
281
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+6
July 9, 1956
July 9, 1956
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
July 9, 1956
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
275
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
−6
February 26, 1958
February 26, 1958
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
February 26, 1958
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
280
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+5
September 2, 1958
September 2, 1958
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
September 2, 1958
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
288
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+8
June 30, 1959
June 30, 1959
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 30, 1959
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
295
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+7
June 30, 1960
June 30, 1960
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 30, 1960
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
293
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
−2
June 30, 1961
June 30, 1961
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 30, 1961
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
298
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+5
July 1, 1962
July 1, 1962
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
July 1, 1962
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
308
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+10
March 31, 1963
March 31, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 31, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
305
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
−3
June 25, 1963
June 25, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 25, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
300
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
−5
June 30, 1963
June 30, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 30, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
307
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+7
August 31, 1963
August 31, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 31, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
309
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+2
November 26, 1963
November 26, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
November 26, 1963
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
315
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+6
June 29, 1964
June 29, 1964
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 29, 1964
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
324
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+9
June 24, 1965
June 24, 1965
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 24, 1965
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
328
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+4
June 24, 1966
June 24, 1966
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 24, 1966
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
330
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+2
March 2, 1967
March 2, 1967
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 2, 1967
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
336
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+6
June 30, 1967
June 30, 1967
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 30, 1967
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
358
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+22
June 1, 1968
June 1, 1968
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 1, 1968
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
365
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+7
April 7, 1969
April 7, 1969
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
April 7, 1969
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
377
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+12
June 30, 1970
June 30, 1970
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 30, 1970
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
395
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+18
March 17, 1971
March 17, 1971
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 17, 1971
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
430
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+35
March 15, 1972
March 15, 1972
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 15, 1972
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
450
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+20
October 27, 1972
October 27, 1972
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
October 27, 1972
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
465
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+15
June 30, 1974
June 30, 1974
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 30, 1974
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
495
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+30
February 19, 1975
February 19, 1975
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
February 19, 1975
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
577
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+82
November 14, 1975
November 14, 1975
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
November 14, 1975
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
595
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+18
March 15, 1976
March 15, 1976
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 15, 1976
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
627
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+32
June 30, 1976
June 30, 1976
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 30, 1976
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
636
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+9
September 30, 1976
September 30, 1976
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
September 30, 1976
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
682
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+46
April 1, 1977
April 1, 1977
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
April 1, 1977
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
700
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+18
October 4, 1977
October 4, 1977
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
October 4, 1977
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
752
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+52
August 3, 1978
August 3, 1978
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 3, 1978
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
798
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+46
April 2, 1979
April 2, 1979
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
April 2, 1979
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
830
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+32
September 29, 1979
September 29, 1979
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
September 29, 1979
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
879
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+49
June 28, 1980
June 28, 1980
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 28, 1980
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
925
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+46
December 19, 1980
December 19, 1980
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
December 19, 1980
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
935
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+10
February 7, 1981
February 7, 1981
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
February 7, 1981
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
985
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+50
September 30, 1981
September 30, 1981
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
September 30, 1981
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
1,079
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+94
June 28, 1982
June 28, 1982
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 28, 1982
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
1,143
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+64
September 30, 1982
September 30, 1982
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
September 30, 1982
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
1,290
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+147
May 26, 1983
May 26, 1983
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
May 26, 1983
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
1,389
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+99
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 98–34
November 21, 1983
November 21, 1983
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
November 21, 1983
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
1,490
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+101
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 98–161
May 25, 1984
May 25, 1984
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
May 25, 1984
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
1,520
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+30
June 6, 1984
June 6, 1984
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 6, 1984
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
1,573
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+53
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 98–342
October 13, 1984
October 13, 1984
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
October 13, 1984
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
1,823
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+250
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 98–475
November 14, 1985
November 14, 1985
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
November 14, 1985
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
1,904
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+81
December 12, 1985
December 12, 1985
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
December 12, 1985
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
2,079
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+175
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 99–177
August 21, 1986
August 21, 1986
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 21, 1986
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
2,111
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+32
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 99–384
October 21, 1986
October 21, 1986
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
October 21, 1986
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
2,300
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+189
May 15, 1987
May 15, 1987
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
May 15, 1987
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
2,320
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+20
August 10, 1987
August 10, 1987
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 10, 1987
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
2,352
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+32
September 29, 1987
September 29, 1987
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
September 29, 1987
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
2,800
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+448
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 100–119
August 7, 1989
August 7, 1989
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 7, 1989
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
2,870
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+70
November 8, 1989
November 8, 1989
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
November 8, 1989
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
3,123
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+253
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 101–140
August 9, 1990
August 9, 1990
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 9, 1990
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
3,195
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+72
October 28, 1990
October 28, 1990
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
October 28, 1990
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
3,230
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+35
November 5, 1990
November 5, 1990
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
November 5, 1990
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
4,145
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+915
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 101–508
April 6, 1993
April 6, 1993
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
April 6, 1993
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
4,370
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+225
August 10, 1993
August 10, 1993
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 10, 1993
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
4,900
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+530
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 103–66
March 29, 1996
March 29, 1996
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 29, 1996
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
5,500
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+600
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 104–121 (text) (PDF)
August 5, 1997
August 5, 1997
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 5, 1997
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
5,950
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+450
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 105–33 (text) (PDF)
June 11, 2002
June 11, 2002
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 11, 2002
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
6,400
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+450
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 107–199 (text) (PDF)
May 27, 2003
May 27, 2003
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
May 27, 2003
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
7,384
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+984
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 108–24 (text) (PDF)
November 16, 2004
November 16, 2004
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
November 16, 2004
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
8,184
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+800
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 108–415 (text) (PDF)
March 20, 2006
March 20, 2006
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 20, 2006
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
8,965
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+781
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 109–182 (text) (PDF)
September 29, 2007
September 29, 2007
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
September 29, 2007
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
9,815
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+850
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 110–91 (text) (PDF)
June 5, 2008
June 5, 2008
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 5, 2008
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
10,615
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+800
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 110–289 (text) (PDF)
October 3, 2008
October 3, 2008
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
October 3, 2008
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
11,315
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+700
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 110–343 (text) (PDF)
February 17, 2009
February 17, 2009
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
February 17, 2009
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
12,104
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+789
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 111–5 (text) (PDF)
December 24, 2009
December 24, 2009
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
December 24, 2009
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
12,394
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+290
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 111–123 (text) (PDF)
February 12, 2010
February 12, 2010
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
February 12, 2010
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
14,294
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+1,900
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 111–139 (text) (PDF)
January 30, 2012
January 30, 2012
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
January 30, 2012
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
16,394
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+2,100
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 112–25 (text) (PDF)
February 4, 2013
February 4, 2013
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
February 4, 2013
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Suspended
May 19, 2013
May 19, 2013
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
May 19, 2013
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
16,699
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+305
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 113–3 (text) (PDF)
October 17, 2013
October 17, 2013
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
October 17, 2013
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Suspended
February 7, 2014
February 7, 2014
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
February 7, 2014
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
17,212and auto-adjust
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+213
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 113–83 (text) (PDF)
March 15, 2015
March 15, 2015
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 15, 2015
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
18,113End of auto adjust
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+901
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 113–83 (text) (PDF)
October 30, 2015
October 30, 2015
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
October 30, 2015
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Suspended
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 114–74 (text) (PDF)
March 15, 2017
March 15, 2017
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 15, 2017
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
19,847 (de facto)
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+1,734
September 8, 2017
September 8, 2017
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
September 8, 2017
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Suspended
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 115–56 (text) (PDF) Pub. L. 115–123 (text) (PDF)
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
March 1, 2019
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
22,030 (de facto)
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+2,183
August 2, 2019
August 2, 2019
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
August 2, 2019
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Suspended
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 116–37 (text) (PDF)
July 31, 2021
July 31, 2021
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
July 31, 2021
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
28,500 (de facto)
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+6,470
October 14, 2021
October 14, 2021
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
October 14, 2021
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
28,900
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+480
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 117–50 (text) (PDF)
December 16, 2021
December 16, 2021
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
December 16, 2021
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
31,400
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+2,500
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 117–73 (text) (PDF)
June 3, 2023
June 3, 2023
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
June 3, 2023
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Suspended
January 2, 2025
January 2, 2025
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
January 2, 2025
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
36,100 (de facto)
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+4,700
July 4, 2025
July 4, 2025
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
July 4, 2025
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
41,100
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
+5,000
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Pub. L. 119–21 (text) (PDF)
Table of historical debt ceiling levels
Date
Debt Ceiling(billions of dollars)
Change in Debt Ceiling(billions of dollars)
Statute
June 25, 1940
49
February 19, 1941
65
+16
March 28, 1942
125
+60
April 11, 1943
210
+85
June 9, 1944
260
+50
April 3, 1945
300
+40
June 26, 1946
275
−25
August 28, 1954
281
+6
July 9, 1956
275
−6
February 26, 1958
280
+5
September 2, 1958
288
+8
June 30, 1959
295
+7
June 30, 1960
293
−2
June 30, 1961
298
+5
July 1, 1962
308
+10
March 31, 1963
305
−3
June 25, 1963
300
−5
June 30, 1963
307
+7
August 31, 1963
309
+2
November 26, 1963
315
+6
June 29, 1964
324
+9
June 24, 1965
328
+4
June 24, 1966
330
+2
March 2, 1967
336
+6
June 30, 1967
358
+22
June 1, 1968
365
+7
April 7, 1969
377
+12
June 30, 1970
395
+18
March 17, 1971
430
+35
March 15, 1972
450
+20
October 27, 1972
465
+15
June 30, 1974
495
+30
February 19, 1975
577
+82
November 14, 1975
595
+18
March 15, 1976
627
+32
June 30, 1976
636
+9
September 30, 1976
682
+46
April 1, 1977
700
+18
October 4, 1977
752
+52
August 3, 1978
798
+46
April 2, 1979
830
+32
September 29, 1979
879
+49
June 28, 1980
925
+46
December 19, 1980
935
+10
February 7, 1981
985
+50
September 30, 1981
1,079
+94
June 28, 1982
1,143
+64
September 30, 1982
1,290
+147

References

  1. No official ceiling published. The debt on March 15, 2017 was $19.846 trillion after reaching an all time high of $19.97
    https://treasurydirect.gov/NP/debt/search?startMonth=12&startDay=30&startYear=2016&endMonth=03&endDay=15&endYear=2017
  2. The debt rose to over $20.1 trillion on September 8, 2017, when the bill to continue the debt limit suspension for fisca
    https://treasurydirect.gov/NP/debt/search?startMonth=09&startDay=07&startYear=2017&endMonth=10&endDay=02&endYear=2017
  3. The debt rose to over $22.31 trillion on August 2, 2019. US government database on the debt; Archived 2020-08-01 at the
    https://treasurydirect.gov/NP/debt/search?startMonth=08&startDay=01&startYear=2019&endMonth=08&endDay=02&endYear=2019
  4. fiscaldata.treasury.gov
    https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/national-debt/
  5. fiscaldata.treasury.gov
    https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/datasets/debt-to-the-penny/
  6. "Historical Tables – Table 1.2 – Summary of Receipts, Outlays, and Surpluses or Deficits (-) as Percentages of GDP: 1930–2017"
    https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2013/assets/hist.pdf
  7. "Federal debt basics – How large is America's total debt?"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20110706055255/http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/longterm/debt/debtbasics.html#largefeddebt
  8. About 0.8% of debt ($900000000000) is not covered by the ceiling, per The Debt Limit: History and Recent Increases, p. 4
    https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/105193.pdf
  9. "An update to the budget outlook 2020 to 2030"
    https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56517
  10. "Foreign Holdings of Federal Debt"
    https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/RS22331.pdf
  11. "The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2024 to 2034"
    https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59710
  12. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/01/us/politics/national-debt-30-trillion.html
  13. fiscaldata.treasury.gov
    https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/national-debt/#breaking-down-the-debt
  14. fiscaldata.treasury.gov
    https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/national-debt/
  15. "Foreign Holdings of Federal Debt"
    https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/RS22331.pdf
  16. "The 2022 Long-Term Budget Outlook"
    https://www.cbo.gov/publication/57971
  17. "The U.S. national debt is rising by $1 trillion about every 100 days"
    https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/01/the-us-national-debt-is-rising-by-1-trillion-about-every-100-days.html
  18. www.cbsnews.com
    https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-debt-interest-payments-defense-medicare-children/
  19. budget.house.gov
    https://budget.house.gov/press-release/interest-costs-surpass-national-defense-and-medicare-spending
  20. PBS News
    https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/u-s-hits-38-trillion-in-debt-after-the-fastest-accumulation-of-1-trillion-outside-of-the-pandemic
  21. www.jec.senate.gov
    https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/republicans/2025/10/u-s-debt-hits-new-record-high-tops-38-019-trillion-added-1-trillion-in-only-71-days-almost-383-billion-during-the-government-shutdown-alone
  22. www.cbsnews.com
    https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-debt-38-trillion-government-shutdown-2025/
  23. www.crfb.org
    https://www.crfb.org/press-releases/gross-national-debt-reaches-37-trillion
  24. Calculation of rate of rise: 3.82e11/(71*86400) = 192,230.. ~ 192,200.
  25. cbo.gov
    http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=11766
  26. Monthly Budget Review for September 2018
    https://www.cbo.gov/system/files?file=2018-10/54551-MBR.pdf
  27. "Treasury Expects to Issue Over $1 Trillion in Debt in 2018"
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/treasury-estimates-annual-net-marketable-debt-to-total-1-338-trillion-in-2018-1540839709
  28. "The US will issue over $1.3 trillion in new debt in 2018, the highest amount since the depths of the recession"
    https://www.businessinsider.in/the-us-will-issue-over-1-3-trillion-in-new-debt-in-2018-the-highest-amount-since-the-depths-of-the-recession/articleshow/66422837.cms
  29. The Washington Post
  30. Daily Treasury Statement (DTS)
    https://www.fms.treas.gov/fmsweb/viewDTSFiles?dir=w&fname=18102900.pdf
  31. Council on Foreign Relations
    https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep29855
  32. www.cia.gov
    https://web.archive.org/web/20070613005546/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2186rank.html#us
  33. www.cbo.gov
    https://www.cbo.gov/publication/53651
  34. Ssa.gov
    http://www.ssa.gov/oact/tr/2012/tr2012.pdf
  35. "Social Security Trust Fund 2010 Report Summary"
    http://www.ssa.gov/oact/trsum/index.html
  36. "Federal debt basics – What is the difference between the two types of federal debt?"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20110706055255/http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/longterm/debt/debtbasics.html#difference
  37. "Measuring the Deficit: Cash vs. Accrual"
    http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/longterm/deficit
  38. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to Be Kept Off Budget, White House Says (September 12, 2008), Bloomberg.com.
    https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aXJSThdqLsXg
  39. The case for keeping Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac off the government's books has gotten even weaker, professional.wsj.com
    http://professional.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443713704577601403201175844.html
  40. Barr, Colin (September 7, 2008). "Paulson readies the 'bazooka'", CNN.com; retrieved January 17, 2011.
    https://money.cnn.com/2008/09/06/news/economy/fannie_freddie_paulson.fortune
  41. "Investor Fires Salvo Against Fannie, Freddie-Viewed March 2014"
    https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304585004579415490523879118?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection&mg=reno64-wsj
  42. Congress of the United States, Government Accountability Office (February 13, 2009). "The federal government's financial
    http://www.gao.gov/financial/citizensguide2008.pdf
  43. Peter G. Peterson Foundation (April 2010). "Citizen's guide 2010: Figure 10 p. 16" (Archived February 10, 2011, at the W
    http://www.pgpf.org/Special-Topics/Download-the-Citizens-Guide.aspx
  44. TreasuryDirect
    https://web.archive.org/web/20160307172624/http://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/reports/pd/pd_debtposactrpt.htm
  45. CBO – The Budget and Economic Outlook: Fiscal Years 2012 to 2022 – See Historical Budget Data Supplement, Cbo.gov, Janua
    http://www.cbo.gov/publication/42905
  46. The American Journal of Economics and Sociology
    https://www.jstor.org/stable/3483882
  47. "The World Factbook"
    https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-states/
  48. Stats.oecd.org
    http://stats.oecd.org/
  49. Multiple references: Debt to the Penny (Daily History Search Application) Archived April 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machin
    https://www.treasurydirect.gov/NP/BPDLogin?application=np
  50. Journal of Economic Perspectives
    https://www.jstor.org/stable/26621242
  51. CBO
    https://www.cbo.gov/publication/41753
  52. Table 1.1 – Summary of Receipts, Outlays, and Surpluses or Deficits (-): 1789–2017 Archived July 6, 2012, at the Wayback
    https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2013/assets/hist01z1.xls
  53. Treasury Direct
    https://web.archive.org/web/20190508122149/https://treasurydirect.gov/govt/reports/pd/histdebt/histdebt_histo5.htm
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  206. Business Insider
    https://www.businessinsider.com/social-security-and-medicare-could-add-trillions-to-the-national-debt-2018-7
  207. Forbes
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamstrauss/2018/07/12/how-to-invest-in-an-era-of-100-trillion-financial-obligations-part-i/#40b4deb67ccb
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