U.S. national debt crosses $40 trillion

The unprecedented figure highlights competing priorities in the Trump administration.

The New York Stock Exchange is seen in New York, Thursday, March 19, 2026. [Photo: Seth Wenig/ AP Photo, File]

The national debt surpassed a record $40 trillion on Wednesday, a staggering milestone as defense costs, social programs like Social Security and Medicare, and interest on the burgeoning deficit make up an enormous share of federal spending.

The milestone figure was recorded just five months after........

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