Interest payments alone cost the U.S. federal government more than $1 trillion last fiscal year, or about $3 billion per day, according to new Treasury Department data. The federal deficit reached $2 trillion in fiscal year 2026, the highest since 2021 and more than 6% of GDP. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blamed tariff refunds, the Iran war and high interest rates, and argued economic growth would lower the deficit-to-GDP ratio, though many experts doubt growth alone is enough. A poll by a Democratic and a Republican research firm found 92% of voters worry national debt is raising inflation and prices, and 84% say having a plan to address the debt is a deciding factor in choosing a candidate. Social Security and Medicare are projected to become insolvent in 2032 and 2033, respectively.
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DXY
▼ Likely negativeRelevance: low
| Market | Currencies |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/19/2026 | 101.98 |
| Change that session | +0.20% |
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