U.S. Treasury Steps Up Bond Repurchases to Calm Markets

On August 19, 2026, Treasury Secretary Bessent said the U.S. will at least double repurchases of long-term government bonds, possibly exceeding $4 billion. Investors had been selling, driving the 30-year bond's interest rate to record highs. Repurchases help bonds trade more smoothly but don't shrink the national debt — a point the market has already noted.