During the first 11 months of fiscal year 2026, interest expenses on United States public debt climbed by $139 billion compared to the previous year. This 12% year-over-year increase pushed total interest costs to a record-breaking $1.27 trillion, which now accounts for approximately 26% of all federal government revenue.
This surge represents the sixth straight year of rising interest obligations. Over this six-year period, annual debt servicing costs have ballooned by $784 billion, marking a total increase of 162% from previous levels.