Key facts about the U.S. national debt
Private investors are the biggest holders of national debt – $24.4 trillion as of March 2025 – followed by federal trust funds and retirement programs.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Government Spending & the Deficit
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Government Spending & the Deficit
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How Americans view the GOP’s budget and tax bill
Far more Americans oppose the legislation than favor it. Nearly half (49%) oppose it, while 29% favor it. Another 21% are not sure.
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What the data says about Social Security
Most U.S. adults said Social Security benefits shouldn’t be reduced in any way – a view broadly shared across ages, racial and ethnic groups, partisan affiliations and income brackets.
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Americans see a role for the federal government in many domains, but some large partisan divisions persist
Nearly all Americans say the federal government has a responsibility to provide a strong military and secure the nation’s borders.
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Americans more likely to support than oppose continuing federal funding for NPR and PBS
Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to support ending federal funding for public media.
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Biden, Trump supporters both say the U.S. economic system unfairly favors powerful interests
Trump and Biden supporters share a fair amount of common ground when it comes to criticisms of the U.S. economic system.
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Congress has long struggled to pass spending bills on time
If Congress passes the Oct. 1 deadline without either a new set of spending bills or a continuing resolution, nonessential operations would be forced to shut down.
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What the data says about food stamps in the U.S.
The food stamp program is one of the larger federal social welfare initiatives, and in its current form has been around for nearly six decades.
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6 facts about Americans’ views of government spending and the deficit
Americans are split on the size and role of the government, though reducing the budget deficit is a higher priority than it was last year.
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Biden Loses Ground With the Public on Issues, Personal Traits and Job Approval
Americans show more support than opposition for two infrastructure bills; majorities favor raising taxes on large businesses and high-income households.
