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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
May 19, 2025
Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating, Warns Recent Policy Decisions Will Worsen Fiscal Outlook
For the first time, all major credit ratings agencies have downgraded U.S. credit below their top rating.
May 19, 2025
New Report: Rising National Debt Will Cause Significant Damage to the U.S. Economy
On all key financial metrics, from GDP and investment to jobs to wages, the growing national debt harms future economic prospects for American citizens.
May 16, 2025
Peterson Foundation Statement on Moody’s Downgrade
“For those looking for a signpost to tell us when to stop adding to our national debt, they should look no further than Moody‘s downgrade.”
May 15, 2025
Peterson Foundation Statement on House Budget Reconciliation Bill
“This irresponsible budget bill would significantly worsen America’s fiscal outlook and harm our economic future.”
May 13, 2025
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.
May 9, 2025
No Tax on Social Security Would Weaken Both Social Security and Medicare
Republicans in Congress are considering several new tax cuts that would reduce federal revenues by trillions of dollars over the next decade.
May 5, 2025
The United States Spends More on Defense than the Next 9 Countries Combined
Defense spending by the United States accounted for nearly 40 percent of military expenditures by countries around the world in 2023.
May 2, 2025
The President’s “Skinny Budget” Reallocates Priorities for Appropriations
President Trump’s budget proposal would maintain total discretionary spending at the same amount as last year — but would reallocate billions from other programs into the defense and homeland security.
April 24, 2025
U.S. Voters Sound Alarm on Budget Bill That Adds $29 Trillion to National Debt; Deep Concern Across Party Lines About Inflation, Interest Rates
“Voters understand that rising debt puts upward pressure on inflation, and makes everything more expensive, from grocery shopping to buying a house or car,” said Michael A. Peterson.
April 23, 2025
The National Debt Can Crowd Out Investments in the Economy — Here’s How
Large amounts of federal debt could “crowd out” investments by the private sector, making the economy less productive and stunting wage growth.