# Democrats and Republicans outraged as US national debt tops $40tn

https://mins.news/en/item/27195

- The Guardian, 2026-08-20 10:47 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/aug/20/donald-trump-national-debt-borrowing-record-michael-cohen-canada-iran-latest-news-updates

> US gross national debt has exceeded $40tn for the first time, reaching the highest level in the country’s history. The deficit has doubled over the past decade as spending rose under Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Democrats blamed Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress, while Republicans also condemned uncontrolled spending.

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