Historical
Long-term trends in federal finances. Debt, revenue, spending, deficits, and debt-to-GDP ratios from 2000 to the present. See how America's fiscal picture has changed over time.
Revenue vs. Spending (2016–2026)
The persistent gap between spending (crimson) and revenue (teal) is the annual deficit. The gap widened dramatically during COVID-19 and has remained elevated.
Debt-to-GDP Ratio (2000–2026)
The debt-to-GDP ratio measures the national debt relative to the size of the economy. It crossed 100% during the Great Recession and surged past 120% during COVID-19. Economists consider this ratio more meaningful than raw debt numbers.
Annual Deficit / Surplus (2000–2026)
Positive values indicate surpluses (2000-2001). The last surplus was in FY2001. The largest deficits occurred in FY2020 ($3.1T) and FY2021 ($2.8T) during the pandemic response.
Interest Payments on the Debt (2016–2026)
Interest costs nearly quadrupled from $240B in 2016 to over $950B in 2026, driven by both higher debt levels and rising interest rates.
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