National Debt Nears $39 Trillion as Budget Watchdogs Warn of Economic Risks

Congressional report highlights growing concerns over federal spending and mounting deficits

Feb. 9, 2026 at 4:15pm

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The U.S. national debt is on track to reach nearly $39 trillion by mid-April, according to a new congressional report. The National Taxpayers Union is renewing its call for a constitutional balanced budget amendment, arguing it would impose fiscal discipline on lawmakers who have repeatedly failed to rein in spending. Public opinion appears to favor spending cuts over tax increases, but some have proposed more unconventional approaches like delaying retirement or relying on artificial intelligence and automation to address the debt.

Why it matters

The growing national debt is seen as a major economic and national security problem, with interest payments consuming a significant portion of the federal budget. Failure to address the debt could leave lawmakers with fewer and more painful options in the future.

The details

Data released by congressional Republicans shows the debt is increasing by an average of $6.43 billion per day. Interest payments alone now consume roughly 13 percent of the entire federal budget, a figure budget watchdogs warn is unsustainable as deficits hover near $2 trillion annually. The National Taxpayers Union is renewing its call for a constitutional balanced budget amendment, arguing it would impose fiscal discipline on lawmakers.

  • The U.S. national debt is on track to reach nearly $39 trillion by mid-April.

The players

National Taxpayers Union

A nonprofit organization that advocates for lower taxes and reduced government spending.

Brandon Arnold

Executive vice president of the National Taxpayers Union.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Elon Musk

Tech entrepreneur and founder of the Department of Government Efficiency.

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What they’re saying

“The national debt is in a huge emergency situation right now. We're approaching $39 trillion in national debt. It's a national security problem, it's an economic problem.”

— Brandon Arnold, Executive vice president of the National Taxpayers Union (TNND)

“At its core, it's a pretty straightforward notion. Congress shouldn't spend more in its expenditures than it takes in through tax revenues every year — the same premise most families and businesses already live by.”

— Brandon Arnold, Executive vice president of the National Taxpayers Union (TNND)

“To start working a year earlier right out of high school, or a year later, not retire, it would generate about $3 trillion to the U.S. economy.”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (TNND)

“We are 100 percent going to go bankrupt as a country without AI and robots. Nothing else will solve the national debt.”

— Elon Musk (TNND)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.