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US national debt reaches $40 trillion, sparks Democratic outrage

August 20, 2026

Summary

The U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time, doubling over the past decade due to increased spending under both Trump and Biden administrations. Democrats expressed outrage, blaming Republicans for running up the tab.

How coverage differs

  • Left: Democratic outrage, blaming Republicans for the $40 trillion national debt Left-leaning outlets express Democratic outrage over the national debt reaching $40 trillion, directly blaming Republicans for running up the tab. They highlight President Trump's broken promise to cut waste, noting the significant debt increase during his administration.
  • Center: U.S. national debt soars to $40 trillion amid bipartisan spending Center outlets factually report that the U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, noting it has doubled over the past decade. They explain this increase is due to heightened spending under both President Trump and former President Biden's administrations.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • ‘Republicans ran up the tab’: Democrats outraged over $40tn national debt – live
  • The US National Debt Grows To $40 Trillion Under Trump, Who Promised To Cut Waste

Center

  • The US national debt now stands at $40 trillion - AP News

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