# US national debt tops $40 trillion for first time, dealing blow to Trump

https://mins.news/en/item/27323

- France 24, 2026-08-20 13:28 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260820-us-national-debt-tops-40-trillion-for-first-time-dealing-blow-to-trump

> US gross national debt has exceeded $40 trillion for the first time, government figures show, rising faster than previously forecast and partly driven by President Donald Trump’s invalidated tariffs. The increase undermines Trump’s campaign promise to reduce public spending and has drawn criticism from representatives across the political spectrum.

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