US National Debt Surpasses $37 Trillion Amid Calls to Halt Foreign Funding

The United States' national debt has exceeded $37 trillion, with annual interest payments now surpassing $1 trillion, a figure greater than the nation's annual military spending. This escalating financial burden has prompted renewed calls from some lawmakers to cease funding foreign wars and redirect resources domestically.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) highlighted the alarming figures in a recent tweet, stating, "WE ARE BROKE… STOP FUNDING FOREIGN WARS." She emphasized the dire economic situation, noting, "We are in over $37 TRILLION in debt and the annual interest on our national debt is now over $1 trillion, which is more than our own annual military spending!"

The national debt, which stood at approximately $37.0 trillion as of August 8, 2025, has been a persistent concern. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the debt will exceed $52 trillion by the end of fiscal year 2035. This accumulation is largely due to recurring budget deficits, where government spending outstrips revenue. The annual interest expense on this debt was approximately $879.9 billion in fiscal year 2024, representing 13% of all federal expenditures and surpassing spending on both Medicare and national defense for that period.

For fiscal year 2024, the US Department of Defense's budget request was $842 billion, with the fiscal year 2025 request at $849.8 billion. While these figures are substantial, they are now overshadowed by the cost of servicing the national debt.

The tweet also points to the impact of "rapid inflation" over the past five years on American citizens. The US has experienced significant inflationary pressures, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing a 3.3% increase year-over-year in July 2025, following a peak of 9.1% in June 2022. This inflation has eroded purchasing power and increased the cost of living for many Americans.

The United States also maintains a significant foreign aid budget, which includes both economic and military assistance. In fiscal year 2024, the US allocated approximately $60.5 billion in foreign assistance. This aid supports various objectives, including global health, humanitarian relief, economic development, and security assistance to allies. For instance, in 2024, the US provided substantial military aid to Ukraine ($48.4 billion) and support to Israel ($10.6 billion), as part of its foreign policy objectives.

The debate over national spending priorities, particularly the balance between domestic needs and international commitments, continues to be a central theme in American politics as the national debt and its associated costs continue to climb.