---
title: "National debt nears $40 trillion: How we got here and why it matters"
date: 2026-08-17
modified: 2026-08-18
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/2026/08/17/national-debt-nears-40-trillion-how-we-got-here-and-why-it-matters/
categories:
  - "World"
---

# National debt nears $40 trillion: How we got here and why it matters

The national debt is expected to hit a record high as soon as this week, crossing a major threshold of $40 trillion. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins explains why that milestone is a warning sign for many economists.

[Read the full story at PBS](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/national-debt-nears-40-trillion-how-we-got-here-and-why-it-matters)