In the past week, US debt reached a staggering all-time high of $33 trillion, propelled by a growing federal deficit and a significant influx of Treasury bills. Despite this sky-high figure, the real concern is not the rising debt per se, which is not unusual for nations to handle, but rather the capacity to manage debt-service payments.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen primarily uses the metric of net interest as a share of GDP to assess US fiscal health. Although the ratio is currently around 1%, projections by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) forecast that interest payments will account for 6.7% of GDP by 2053, making it the largest federal expenditure by 2051, surpassing even Social Security.

Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, describes the situation as clearly unsustainable. The alarm bells ring as debt grows faster than the economy, and interest payments surge ahead of economic indicators. The CBO also estimates that US debt as a share of GDP will set a new record this decade, soaring from about 100% now to 107% in 2029 and reaching a daunting 181% by 2053.

The US, possessing the world’s most liquid bond market, can continue to sell fresh debt to investors. However, prioritizing debt payments could potentially jeopardize other federal expenses, posing a risk of default as nearly occurred in June. Current interest payments already exceed federal spending on youth education, and it’s anticipated to outpace defense spending in just four years.

If these projections come to fruition, the implications extend beyond merely squeezing federal programs. It could result in a stagnant economy and a diminished capacity to invest in crucial areas like national security. Many voices on Wall Street have also begun highlighting the risks involved. The necessity for continuously rising interest rates to attract enough money for servicing the growing debt can further complicate borrowing costs.

To mitigate the debt, MacGuineas suggests possible tax hikes for both wealthy and middle-income Americans and implementing spending cuts, including on defense and social entitlements. Despite the clear roadmap for addressing these challenges, the current political climate lacks the will to embark on these necessary steps, contributing to the growing concern among experts and policymakers alike.

In conclusion, as we navigate these turbulent financial waters, a clear and decisive approach to managing and reducing debt is not just preferable but essential to ensure economic stability and continued investment in vital sectors for the US’s future. Understanding these dynamics and staying informed is crucial for entrepreneurs and investors to make well-informed decisions in the current economic landscape.