The United States has reached $40 trillion in national debt, a figure that now rivals the size of its annual GDP, sparking growing concern among economists and policymakers. While the debt has accumulated over decades due to a mix of tax cuts, rising interest payments, and political inact
Sign up to read the full summary
Free AI-powered recaps of every episode, delivered to your inbox.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Guest
Jared Bernstein
conversational on Today, Explained
Mentions
Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.
People
Topics
Listen to This Episode
More from Today, Explained
Trump loves the inflation
Make credit cards work for you
The Great American Tax Revolt
Trump enters his flop era
Your midterms study guide
The gas price vote
Related episodes
From other shows on similar topics.
Economist Justin Wolfers on the Trump Treasury Emergency Scheme
The MeidasTouch Podcast
Sec. Bessent's big plan to finance the national debt
Marketplace
Let’s Talk Bonds. Treasury Bonds.
The Journal.
Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System (Update)
Freakonomics Radio
NPR News: 08-21-2026 10AM EDT
NPR News Now
What's Behind the Big Surge in US Government Bond Yields
Odd Lots
Get summaries like this every morning.
Free AI-powered recaps of Today, Explained and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.