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The Peter G. Peterson Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on building a brighter economic future for all Americans. Browse our latest content and updates.
News
August 19, 2026
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?
Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.
August 19, 2026
With $40 Trillion in Debt, Is the U.S. Headed for More Credit Downgrades?
Three successive downgrades of the U.S. credit rating should alarm elected leaders, but our national debt remains on an unsustainable trajectory.
August 19, 2026
The United States Is Adding to the National Debt Faster Than Ever
The nation’s debt is growing at a historic rate and eclipsing all-time highs.
August 19, 2026
Infographic: The National Debt Is Now More than $40 Trillion. What Does That Mean?
Although the national debt affects each of us, it may be difficult to put such a large number into perspective.
August 19, 2026
Peterson Foundation Statement on National Debt Passing $40 Trillion
“For the millions of Americans concerned about affordability, let’s start by asking Washington to take notice that the national debt just hit $40 trillion.”
August 19, 2026
4 Ways the United States Got to $40 Trillion in National Debt
These four key fiscal trends over the last 25 years that have put the nation’s debt on a dangerous trajectory.
August 18, 2026
What Is the Yield Curve, and What Does It Tell Us About the Economy?
Not only does the yield curve offer insights into the strength of the economy, but it also signals how investors view the government’s fiscal trajectory.
August 14, 2026
What Is Fiscal Dominance?
Fiscal dominance occurs when the national debt — and especially high interest costs — forces the hand of monetary policymakers.
August 14, 2026
Can We Grow Our Way Out of the National Debt?
The gap between what economic growth can realistically deliver and what fiscal sustainability requires is too large to bridge without also addressing the structural imbalance between federal spending and revenues.