newsAug 20, 20268:19pending

The U.S. national debt is $40 trillion. Are Americans paying for it?

About this episode

The US national debt has soared to $40 trillion - a record high.

How does that figure affect the lives of everyday Americans?

This episode was produced by Megan Lim, with audio engineering by Ted Mebane. Our director is Jonas Adams.

It was edited by Janaya Williams and Tinbete Ermyas.

Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.

Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy

Get every episode summarized

Each time Consider This from NPR publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.

Email me new episodes

Free for 3 shows. No card needed.

Hosts & guests

NPRHost

No transcript yet

This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.

More episodes

The U.S. national debt is $40 trillion. Are Americans paying for it?

About this episode

Get every episode summarized

Hosts & guests

More from Consider This from NPR

25 years after the 9/11 attacks, where does the trial stand?

Are big AI companies gambling with our lives?

After a difficult trial, how do jurors move on?

The Smithsonian's leader is stepping down. Where does the Institution go from he...