The U.S. federal government's total public debt had surpassed the 39-trillion-U.S.-dollar milestone as of Tuesday, according to the latest data released by the Treasury Department on Wednesday.
U.S. media reports indicate that the ballooning debt is a byproduct of conflicting objectives within the government, including the adoption of sweeping tax legislation, increased defense spending, and strengthened immigration enforcement.
Matters such as war and tax cuts have also driven spending increases. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett estimated on Sunday that the ongoing military operations against Iran has so far cost the U.S. more than 12 billion U.S. dollars.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) said that rising government debt will lead to higher borrowing costs and reduced funds available to businesses for investment, which can depress wage levels and bring higher prices for goods and services.
U.S. national debt surpasses 39 trln USD milestone
