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US debt tops $40 trillion, Americans left with the bill

Al Jazeera English Al Jazeera English August 21, 2026 at 11:19 PM

play Live Sign upShow navigation menuplay Live Click here to searchsearchSign upToggle PlayUS debt tops $40 trillion, Americans left with the bill

The US national debt has officially surpassed $40 trillion for the first time in history, and it’s growing fast. Al Jazeera’s @EmmaWithrow explains how we got here, who America owes that money to, and why it matters.

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US debt tops $40 trillion, Americans left with the bill

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