The $38 trillion federal debt is a rare issue uniting 82% of Americans: ‘It’s no surprise that voters are worried,’ says a watchdog group

National Debt Concerns Intensify as 2026 Begins

As 2026 unfolds in the United States, public sentiment about the nation’s finances has grown increasingly negative. After a turbulent 2025—characterized by unprecedented government shutdowns and soaring federal expenditures—a recent study shows that most Americans are calling for urgent legislative action to address the country’s financial stability, with a particular focus on the $38 trillion national debt.

The latest Fiscal Confidence Index, released in January 2026 by the nonpartisan Peter G. Peterson Foundation, reveals that 82% of voters believe lawmakers should devote more attention to tackling the national debt. The index now stands at 51 (where 100 is considered neutral), down six points from January 2025. This drop signals a growing sense of urgency among voters to confront the nation’s unsustainable fiscal trajectory.

This decline in confidence comes on the heels of a year marked by extraordinary fiscal events. According to the foundation, 2025 saw the longest government shutdown on record, the passage of the most costly reconciliation bill, and the highest interest payments in history. These developments have solidified public concern, making the debt crisis a central issue as the 2026 election season approaches.

Public Anxiety Tied to Economic Impact

Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Foundation, attributed the public’s unease to the direct economic effects felt by households.

“As we enter the new year, it’s no surprise that Americans are worried about the country’s fiscal path,” Peterson remarked. “Rapidly increasing debt is fueling inflation and higher interest rates, which in turn raise living costs and hinder economic progress.”

Peterson also stressed that candidates in the upcoming midterm elections cannot ignore this issue. “With the election year ahead, it’s essential for those seeking office to engage with voters on strategies to stabilize the debt and lay the groundwork for a more robust and prosperous future,” he added.

Debt Reduction: A Rare Point of Unity

Despite ongoing political divisions, fiscal responsibility stands out as a rare area of agreement. The survey found that 79% of respondents believe that reducing the national debt should rank among the top three priorities for both the president and Congress.

• 89% of Republicans consider debt reduction a leading concern.
• 75% of Democrats share this perspective.
• 70% of independents agree on its importance.

Inside the Fiscal Confidence Index

The Fiscal Confidence Index evaluates three main areas: Concern, Priority, and Expectations. The December 2025 results underscore the depth of voter apprehension in each category:

• Concern (Score: 49): Reflects significant anxiety about the direction of the national debt.
• Priority (Score: 22): This notably low score shows that Americans feel elected officials are not giving the debt enough attention and want it to be a top priority.
• Expectations (Score: 80): Indicates that voters remain doubtful about any near-term improvement in the debt situation.

The poll, commissioned by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, was conducted by Global Strategy Group (a Democratic firm) and North Star Opinion Research (a Republican firm). The survey included 1,004 registered voters nationwide between December 15 and 17, 2025, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%.

Generative AI was used as a research tool in preparing this article, with all information verified by an editor prior to publication.