https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/interest-on-the-national-debt-just-hit-a-record-1-36-trillionContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/interest-on-the-national-debt-just-hit-a-record-1-36-trillionhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/interest-on-the-national-debt-just-hit-a-record-1-36-trillion#u146002Thu, 22 Oct 2026 07:27:30 +0000Gross interest on Treasury debt reached a record $1.36 trillion in fiscal 2026, averaging $3 billion a day. Treasury data shows net interest payments rose 8% to $1.05 trillion, swallowing about a fifth of federal revenue and surpassing defense spending. The broader U.S. budget gap widened to $1.99 trillion, marking the largest deficit in five years and the 25th consecutive deficit year. Federal spending grew 6% to $7.4 trillion, while revenue increased 3% to $5.4 trillion.Why it mattersThe mounting debt-service bill underscores fiscal pressure as interest costs climb faster than overall spendi