National debt crosses $38 trillion for first time in history

Published October 22, 2025 4:28pm ET



The total national debt of the United States has hit $38 trillion, an unwelcome milestone that comes as lawmakers grapple with a looming fiscal reckoning.

The unwanted achievement comes amid a government shutdown and was reflected in the Treasury Department’s daily updates to the national debt. The federal debt per citizen has now climbed to over $110,000.

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