The U.S. government has crossed a historic milestone by spending over $1 trillion on interest payments for its national debt, which has reached $35.3 trillion. This marks a 30% increase from the previous year, with net interest payments totaling $843 billion, only surpassed by Social Security and Medicare expenditures. The budget deficit has surged to nearly $2 trillion for the fiscal year, exacerbated by a $380 billion shortfall in August, a stark reversal from a surplus the previous year. The Federal Reserve's sustained high interest rates have contributed to these rising costs, although potential rate cuts may offer some relief in the future. Experts warn that this trend poses significant challenges for fiscal policy and economic stability, particularly as the national debt is projected to reach unprecedented levels. As the presidential election approaches, there are calls for candidates to prioritize discussions on fiscal responsibility and debt reduction.