 The national debt is now over $34.9 trillion, the highest in U.S. history. Analysis from the Bipartisan Policy Center shows the deficit could prevent America from responding to enemy threats or the next public health emergency. The numbers rose by nearly $8 trillion during former President Trump's time in office. President Biden is on pace to oversee a similar increase. The national debt has ballooned by more than 70% over the last eight years. The last surplus was in 2001.