U.S. national debt hits $33 trillion

The U.S. national debt has breached the $33 trillion mark for the first time, amid concerns that another fight over federal spending may trigger the first government shutdown since 2019


U.S. NATIONAL DEBT SINCE 1970

U.S. in recession

1970: $0.37tn

1982: $1.14tn

Marks $10tn increments

2008: $10.02tn

2017: $20.24tn

Biden assumes presidency

2022: $30.93tn

Sep 18, 2023*: $33.05tn 

President Joe Biden is under pressure over Democrat spending plans


35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
	1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020


Debt is poised to top $50 trillion by end of this decade, even after accounting for newly passed spending cuts


Note: Chart nodes mark end of government fiscal years (Sep 30). *12 days from end of fiscal year 


Sources: New York Times, U.S. Treasury Department, FRED 
Picture: Getty 
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