1What major threshold did total U.S. public debt cross for the first time this week?
💵 Federal Budget & Debt · Washington, D.C.
PendingYour answer: Available after completing the quiz.
Verified answer: $40 trillion
Explanation: Reuters reported that total U.S. public debt outstanding reached $40.047 trillion, crossing the $40 trillion mark for the first time. The total included about $32.266 trillion held by the public and $7.782 trillion in intragovernmental holdings.
Source: Reuters, August 19, 2026

