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, currently at $35 trillion. While debt warnings have been issued for years, the current situation is unprecedented. Experts believe stabilizing the debt at its current level is crucial, requiring a reduction in annual deficits. However, this will be difficult as Social Security and Medicare face shortfalls, interest payments are rising, and other budget areas are underfunded. Experts suggest significant changes to these programs, including potential benefit cuts for wealthier recipients and raising the eligibility age. However, both presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, propose tax cuts and spending plans that would further increase the national debt. Their proposals, along with their promises to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits, make stabilizing the debt nearly impossible. The lack of political will to address this issue suggests a crisis may be the only catalyst for action, ultimately leading to a more costly and less effective solution.