Newborns in the U.S. Inherit a $98,000 Share of National Debt

The soaring national debt in the United States has reached alarming levels in recent times and shows no signs of slowing. A challenge that transcends politics, it affects Americans across age groups and economic classes.

As of September 28, according to Finbold’s data, the U.S. national debt stands at a remarkable $33.11 trillion. Given the country’s population of 335.27 million, this puts every citizen’s share of the debt at roughly $98,769.91. Among the globe’s major economies, the U.S. comes second to Japan in debt per citizen. Japan, with a national debt of $13.50 trillion, has a per-person debt of around $104,336 for its 129 million inhabitants.

Other nations, including Italy, France, and the UK, follow with their respective per capita debts. Meanwhile, China, the world’s most populous country, has a per-person debt of $9,849 with its national debt standing at $14.5 trillion. India’s per capita debt is $2,336, with a total national debt of $3.29 trillion.

Understanding U.S. National Debt

Government or national debt pertains to the sum owed by a nation due to expenditure surpassing revenue. It’s employed for numerous purposes but can become precarious if unchecked. “The national debt is often described as a burden on future generations,” and as governments continue their borrowing spree, it’s the upcoming generations that inherit the responsibility of repayment.

The surge in U.S. debt, while a longstanding concern, has been magnified by the pandemic and its economic repercussions. High debt can lead to increased interest rates, hindered economic growth, reduced private investment, and even jeopardize national security. It can also diminish public confidence in the government’s fiscal capabilities. A potential default may plunge the nation into a significant recession and elevate unemployment.

Recent discord among legislators concerning the 2024 budget has heightened these concerns. With expenditures consistently outpacing tax revenues, and debt rising faster than economic growth, public sentiment towards the government could sour.

The task of managing the debt becomes formidable due to accumulating interest. The Federal Reserve’s strategy of hiking interest rates, designed to temper economic growth, doesn’t make this task any easier. Consequently, with more funds diverted to service the debt, areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure may suffer.

China’s Debt Perspective

Though the U.S., being the world’s premier economy, naturally has an immense national debt, its chief competitor, China, operates differently. China’s economic blueprint, characterized by high savings and steady trade surplus, naturally lends to debt reduction. The Chinese regime practices fiscal restraint, prioritizing limited debt and budget deficits.

China’s significant foreign reserves, majorly in U.S. dollars, grant them economic dexterity. Their stringent control over state entities diminishes borrowing necessities. Moreover, their centralized administration ensures effective debt management, with the majority of the debt held domestically, offering more control.

Addressing national debt is a balancing act and necessitates a blend of prudent fiscal strategies. Policymakers have their work cut out in determining spending avenues and creating revenue, which might mean tax hikes or spending cuts in specific sectors.