The Unsustainable US National Debt: A Looming Crisis Ignored by 2024 Presidential Candidates

The United States faces a significant economic challenge with its growing national debt, which has reached $35 trillion. While debt warnings have been issued for years, the current situation is unprecedented. Experts believe stabilizing the debt at its current level requires reducing annual deficits. This involves addressing Social Security and Medicare, which are paying out more than they receive. However, both presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, propose tax cuts and spending plans that would further increase the debt. While acknowledging the need to protect Social Security and Medicare, neither candidate offers solutions to address their unsustainable trajectories. Experts suggest that addressing the debt requires significant changes to these programs, such as adjusting benefits and eligibility. Without these changes, the debt will continue to grow, potentially leading to a crisis that forces drastic and costly measures. Despite concerns about the debt, neither candidate is willing to propose solutions that might alienate voters, highlighting the political challenges of addressing this issue.