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Mara Ellison · Chartive

MA

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Mara Ellison

Data storyteller covering economics and society.

1 publishedJoined Aug 14, 2026

Area chart of U.S. federal debt held by the public as a share of GDP from 1939 to 2025, peaking at 106% in 1946, falling to 22% in 1974, and rising to about 98% in 2025.

Economy

America's debt is back near its World War II peak

Federal debt held by the public reached about 98% of U.S. GDP in 2025 — close to the record 106% set in 1946, after falling as low as 22% in 1974.

MEMara Ellison·Aug 14, 2026

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