Thursday, October 23, 2025-America’s national debt has officially crossed the $38 trillion mark for the first time in history, deepening concerns about fiscal stability as the government shutdown drags into its third week.
The Treasury Department confirmed the record figure on Wednesday, citing lost revenue from suspended federal operations and emergency spending to sustain essential services. Economists warn that the shutdown combined with rising interest payments and stalled budget negotiations is accelerating the nation’s already unsustainable debt trajectory.
The political standoff in Washington has paralyzed key departments, delayed federal paychecks, and rattled financial markets. Lawmakers remain deadlocked over spending cuts and policy riders tied to the Trump administration’s budget proposal.
Democrats blame the White House for what they call “reckless economic brinkmanship,” while Republicans argue that the shutdown is necessary to force long-term fiscal discipline. Public frustration is mounting as social programs, infrastructure projects, and small-business loans remain frozen nationwide.
Financial analysts caution that crossing the $38 trillion threshold could undermine global confidence in U.S. credit and put pressure on interest rates. Credit rating agencies have already hinted at potential downgrades if the impasse continues.
As the shutdown stretches on, economists are calling for urgent bipartisan action to reopen the government and stabilize the economy, warning that each passing day compounds both the financial cost and the political damage.
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