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Explore news and announcements from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
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Our charts frame the fiscal outlook of the U.S. government within a broad economic, political, and demographic context.
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Our polling tracks the public’s views about our fiscal and economic condition and the progress elected leaders are making in addressing it.
Popular Articles
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.
The United States Collects Less Tax Revenue Than Other G7 Countries
The U.S. collects less tax revenues compared with other G7 countries, and that lower level of revenues is a key driver of the national debt.
Understanding the New Senior Deduction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The senior deduction adds complexity to the tax code, and fewer than half of seniors will benefit from it.
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Jun 17, 2026
The Fed Held Its Target Range For the Fourth Meeting in a Row but Interest Costs Remain High
High interest rates on U.S. Treasury securities increase the federal government’s borrowing costs.
Jun 12, 2026
The U.S. Dollar Is the World’s Reserve Currency. Why Does That Matter?
The country’s unsustainable fiscal outlook threatens to diminish the dollar’s standing, which would have damaging fiscal and economic consequences for the United States.
Jun 11, 2026
Delaying Fiscal Reform is Costly, Annual Treasury Report Warns
The Treasury projects that debt as a percentage of GDP will grow to more than five times the size of the U.S. economy in the next 75 years.
Jun 10, 2026
Debt vs. Deficits: What’s the Difference?
The words debt and deficit come up frequently in debates about policy decisions. The two concepts are similar, but are often confused.
Jun 4, 2026
5 Ways Rising National Debt Makes America Less Affordable
The rising debt contributes to higher inflation and interest rates, which can have significant negative consequences for American families and businesses.
Apr 13, 2026
What Is R Versus G and Why Does It Matter for the National Debt?
The combination of higher debt levels and elevated interest rates have increased the cost of federal borrowing, prompting economists to consider the sustainability of our fiscal trajectory.
Apr 9, 2026
Chart Pack: Fiscal Outlook
The national debt is already at its highest level since just after World War II, and annual deficits are on an upward trajectory.