When Trump took office in 2017, he repeatedly promised to reduce and eventually erase the national debt. His proposals focused on economic growth, tax reform, and cutting federal expenditures. While the economy did see periods of growth during his tenure, federal spending continued to rise, and the debt ultimately continued its upward trajectory.
Since then, a combination of factors has contributed to the rapid increase in debt. Emergency measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including stimulus packages, unemployment support, and healthcare funding, significantly boosted federal spending. Meanwhile, ongoing obligations such as Social Security, Medicare, and defense budgets have continued to expand. Inflationary pressures and rising interest rates have also added to the cost of servicing the national debt.
