U.S. Public Debt Exceeds 100% of GDP for First Time in 80 Years

The U.S. national debt held by the public reached 100.03% of gross domestic product (GDP) for fiscal year 2026, which concluded on September 30. This marks the first instance of the public debt ratio surpassing 100% since 1946, immediately following World War II. The figure represents an increase from 99.4% in the previous year, with the annual budget deficit for the fiscal year standing at approximately $2 trillion, or 6.2% of GDP.