U.S. Federal Debt Now Bigger Than the Entire Economy

Federal debt hit $31.27 trillion in 2024, exceeding U.S. GDP of $31.22 trillion—the debt-to-GDP ratio crossed above 100% for the first time since World War II in peacetime. Weak growth (1.6% in early 2026) won't shrink that gap without a budget surplus, which the U.S. hasn't achieved since 2001.