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Economic Pulse: Week of 8/21/26

Our national debt topped 40 trillion dollars

The national debt just topped $40 trillion, at 123% of the Gross National Product, and continues to rise. Yes, the national debt is larger than GDP, and it has been higher since 2015. Historically, the national debt has exceeded GDP during serious emergencies; for example, the debt-to-GDP ratio rose to 121% by the end of WWII. And more recently, during COVID in 2020, the national debt-to-GDP ratio temporarily rose above its WWII level.

Click here for the latest Lehigh Valley Economic Review.

Listen to Economic Pulse Fridays at 5:44 PM during All Things Considered; Mondays at 7:30 AM during Morning Edition.

(Original air-date: 8/21/26)

Dr. Kamran Afshar is the host of the weekly WDIY feature Economic Pulse, and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Lehigh Valley Community Broadcasters Association as a Vice President.
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