**US national debt stands at approximately $40.25 trillion as of early October 2026 and continues rising at roughly $6.5 billion per day.** Fiscal year 2026 closed with a $2 trillion deficit, driven by mandatory spending growth in Social Security and Medicare, elevated net interest costs now exceeding defense outlays in some periods, and prior reconciliation measures that added trillions to projected deficits over the decade. Congressional Budget Office baselines show debt held by the public climbing toward 120 percent of GDP by 2036 under current policies, with gross debt projected to reach $41 trillion by early 2027 and higher thereafter. A continuing resolution funds operations through December 11, 2026, while the debt limit of $41.1 trillion is expected to require action in 2027 amid the lame-duck session and post-midterm environment. No major spending cuts, revenue increases, or economic shifts sufficient to produce a near-term surplus have materialized, keeping the trajectory upward through the end of 2026.