The United States’ national debt is on a relentless upward trajectory, growing by an average of $5.72 billion per day over the past year, according to the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Monthly Debt Update released on September 4, 2025. As of that date, the total gross national debt stood at $37.43 trillion, comprising $30.12 trillion in debt held by the public and $7.31 trillion in intragovernmental holdings—equivalent to $110,020 per person or $283,098 per household. For economists, policymakers, and fiscal watchers searching US national debt rise per day, $37.43 trillion debt 2025, or debt-to-GDP ratio, this daily accretion—$238.16 million per hour or $3.97 million per minute—reflects persistent deficits amid rising interest payments, which now exceed Medicare and defense spending combined. At the current rate, the debt will hit $38 trillion by December 9, 2025, and another trillion in about 169 days, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio to 119.4%—a level not seen since World War II.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects interest costs will rise to 5.3% of GDP by 2054, underscoring the unsustainable path without policy changes.
Debt Growth Breakdown: Daily, Monthly, and Annual Trends
The JEC’s analysis reveals the debt’s relentless pace, with gross national debt up $2.09 trillion year-over-year and $10.73 trillion over five years. The August 2025 deficit alone was $345 billion, down slightly from $380 billion in August 2024 but still contributing to the daily surge.
| Time Frame | Debt Increase | Daily Average | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Past Year (Sep 2024-2025) | $2.09 Trillion | $5.72 Billion | Deficits & Interest |
| Past 5 Years | $10.73 Trillion | N/A | Pandemic Spending |
| FY25 Through Aug (11 Months) | $1.4 Trillion (Adjusted) | N/A | Outlays $6.7 Trillion |
Interest on the debt now totals $1.1 trillion for FY25 through August, 13.55% of outlays, projected to rise to 14.11% by FY27.
Drivers of the Daily $5.72 Billion Rise
The debt’s growth stems from structural imbalances:
- Persistent Deficits: FY25 cumulative deficit at $1.4 trillion through August, with outlays $6.7 trillion versus revenues.
- Rising Interest Costs: Average rate on marketable debt at 3.415% as of August 2025, with payments exceeding Medicare/defense.
- Demographic Pressures: Aging population strains Social Security/Medicare, with trust funds holding $2.7 trillion in Treasury securities.
- Policy Factors: Tax cuts, spending bills, and emergencies like COVID added trillions; CBO forecasts 156% debt-to-GDP by 2055 under current law.
Private investors hold $24.4 trillion (67% of public debt), followed by trust funds at $2.7 trillion.
Implications: Fiscal Risks and Projections
The $5.72 billion daily rise amplifies long-term threats:
- Interest Burden: Projected to 5.3% of GDP by 2054, crowding out investments.
- Economic Drag: Reduces growth by 0.3% annually; per-person cost $4,375 by 2055.
- Debt Limit: Reinstated January 2, 2025, at $36.1 trillion; extraordinary measures in use, X Date projected August-October 2025.
Conclusion: The Relentless $5.72 Billion Daily Climb
The US national debt’s $5.72 billion per day rise in 2025—totaling $37.43 trillion—signals unsustainable fiscal paths, with interest costs eclipsing key programs. As CBO warns of 156% debt-to-GDP by 2055, reform urgency grows. For the economy, it’s a ticking clock—will Congress act? The dollars accumulate.
