# US debt hits $40 trillion: Who does Washington owe and why does it matter?

https://mins.news/en/item/27339

- Al Jazeera, 2026-08-20 13:18 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/8/20/us-debt-hits-40-trillion-who-does-washington-owe-and-why-does-it-matter?traffic_source=rss

> US government debt has exceeded $40 trillion for the first time, according to the Treasury. The article links the rise to prolonged borrowing, higher spending and tax cuts under both parties, warning that debt has doubled since 2017 and is projected to reach 120 percent of GDP by 2036.

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